Assessment of Fuel Qualities of Methyl Esters from Camelina sativa Seed Oil for Biofuel Applications

In the recent time, Camelina sativa has attracted research interest as feedstock for biofuels. The fatty acid methyl esters from C. sativa oil was prepared and characterised as per the test methods mentioned in EN 14214:2008, ASTM D 6751–08 and IS 15607:2005 specifications. The methyl ester content more than 96.5% was achieved in two-step alkali transesterification, and the percentage of monoglyceride, diglyceride and triglyceride were within the specified limit. The iodine value is 148 g I₂/100 g which is quite above the desired value as per the European specification; likewise, the linolenic acid methyl ester content is quite high. The cetane number was calculated theoretically which is less than the required value. The oxidation stability is poor, whereas the addition of synthetic antioxidant that is pyrogallol at 100 ppm attains the induction period of 8.1 h. The rest fuel parameters are in good agreement with EN 14214:2008 norm. Except cetane number, the other properties are in agreement with the IS 15607:2005 specification. In case of American specification, the cetane number is specified to be minimum 47, whereas the theoretical cetane number for Camelina methyl ester is slightly lower. Cetane enhancer may be used for the fuel to qualify the American and Indian specifications.