The development of a blend of Moringa Oleifera oil with diesel for diesel engines

A blend of Moringa Oleifera oil with diesel was developed which was considered as an alternative fuel for diesel engines. The study considered the cost of transesterifying vegetable oil, as this adds to the cost of blending biodiesel with diesel for a diesel engine. The results indicated M15, a blend of diesel with 15% Moringa Oleifera oil, as the most cost effective blend. The blending was done using a vortex mixer. The Moringa Oleifera seed oil was mechanically extracted by crushing the seed, followed by solvent extraction. The oil was filtered, degummed and then the physicochemical properties were determined. The fuel properties of the blend, M15, such as the kinematic viscosity, acid number, flash point, water and sediments were determined and compared with the standard specifications of biodiesel. The purpose of the study was to develop a cost effective blend of fuel for diesel engines.