Evaluation of the physicochemical properties of petroleum nut (pittosporum resiniferum) oil

Date of Publication

2016

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Subject Categories

Chemical Engineering

College

Gokongwei College of Engineering

Department/Unit

Chemical Engineering

Thesis Adviser

Dr. Susan A. Roces
Dr. Nathaniel P. Dugos

Defense Panel Chair

Dr. Luis F. Razon

Defense Panel Member

Dr. Cynthia F. Madrazo,
Marylou M. Uy

Abstract/Summary

Petroleum nut (pittosporum resiniferum) is categorized as a hydrocarbon plant with potential fuel capabilities. Its oils contain a number of hydrocarbon fractions that can otherwise be useful in transport fuel. This study looked into physicochemical fuel properties such as color, odor, moisture content, density, specific gravity, viscosity, refractive index, surface tension, freezing point, heating value, and flash point as a means of determining the nature of this oil sample. Its physicochemical properties were then compared with commercial fuel oils such as gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), heavy fuel oil (HFO), 1-K kerosene, and jet B fuel.

The oil sample exhibited a light yellow color and an odor that resembled myrcene and Shell standard gasoline. The moisture content was relatively high at 18.33% on a wet basis. Density and viscosity calculations were performed at temperature increments ranging from 25-70ËšC. The density ranged between 893-924 kg/m3 which fell within the parameters for ASTM D-3699 in 1-K kerosene and Shell standard HFO. Large terpene content contained in the oil sample caused the surface tension and viscosity to rise at limits beyond commercial fuels prescribed by Shell standards and ASTM standards. The index of refraction had an average value of 1.46 and a freezing point of -6.0ËšC which was higher as compared to the selected commercial fuels. Experimentation for both flash point and heating value were performed by the Department of Energy (DOE). No data was obtained for the flash point. The temperature limits of the oil sample did not fall within the flash point temperature threshold prescribed by ASTM Standard D93. The heating value was 38.36 MJ/kg, which is lower as compared to values for commercial fuels. The oil sample may not be used as a direct substitute for transport fuel but instead can be used as a burner or lamp oil.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Print

Accession Number

TU21543

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F, Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

ix, 77 leaves: illustrations (some color); 28 cm. + 1 computer disc ; 4 3/4 in.

Keywords

Energy crops; Hydrocarbon-producing plants

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