ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

At first deepest thanks with great respect are given to almighty Allah for the successful completion of the project work by his grace mercy.

ABSTRACT
Biodiesel is known as the mono alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from renewable lipid feedstock, such as vegetable oils or animal fats, for use in compression ignition (diesel) engines. It is an oxygenated, free from sulfur & carcinogenic benzene, non-toxic, biodegradable and echo friendly alternative fuel. One of the major characteristics of bio-diesel, which directs its feasibility for using, as an alternative of conventional diesel fuels is that its use does not require any significant modification of diesel engine. However, due to its different properties like higher viscosity, lower heating value, lower volatility, excess oxygen content, and higher flash point; biodiesel may cause some change in engine performance and emissions including lower power and higher oxides of the nitrogen. This report is divided into two phases. In the first phase different parameters for optimization of biodiesel production was investigated. Biodiesel was made by transesterification. Jatropha Curcus seed oil is selected for biodiesel production. In this thesis 0.35% Sodium hydroxide and 20% methanol is used to produce bio-diesel production. In the second phase of the investigation, the performance study of a diesel engine with diesel biodiesel blends were carried out. The results showed that when compared with neat diesel fuel, biodiesel gives almost similar brake thermal effeciency,

iii

lower carbon monoxide (CO) while slightly higher nitrogen oxide (NO x) emission is experienced.

iv