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Conclusions

Transesterification

Through the transesterification process we were able to successfully produce an ethanol based Jatropha biodiesel. This allowed us to carry out our cloud point and flash point tests to examine which combination of substance would yield the best results. One main advantage of creating an ethanol based Jatropha biodiesel is that Jatropha and ethanol are both biofuels, which allows for lower pollution levels. Jatropha biodiesel is also “carbon neutral” meaning the carbon dioxide emissions are balanced out by the growth Jatropha plant.

Cloud Point

In conclusion the cloud point test results showed us the best combination of substances with Jatropha biodiesel were ethanol and the diesel additive. This solution would perform best under the harsh Canadian winters because it had not formed a gel at -15^oC. Several other combinations were tested which were not able to remain a liquid at -15^oC therefore; they would not be useful in cold climates.

Flash Point 

The flash point of Jatropha biodiesel is 174°C, it would be even higher in cold climates. This experiment was able to lower the time it took to ignite using different additives. The combination of Jatropha, ethanol, diesel additive and Wintron XC30 gave the lowest flash point by igniting in 30 seconds. The combination that produced the best cloud point (Jatropha, ethanol and diesel additive) only needs Wintron XC30 added to produce a flash point.