THERMALLY DECOMPOSED RICEBRAN OIL AS A DIESEL FUEL

Ricebran oil; a non edible oil, was thermally decomposed using differe nt loads of calcium oxide as catalyst. The fuel properties of the crad led product were evaluated as compared to those of diesel fuel. The co nsidered properties Included the calorific value, flash point, viscosi ty, pour point, distillation characteristics, cetane number in additio n to some other fuel properties. The results had shown that the fuel p roperties of the decomposed oil were quite similar to those of standar d diesel fuel. The calorific Value was 80-90% that of diesel fuel and the viscosity was sligthy higher. The prepared fuel was advantageous o ver diesel fuel as the former was completely free from sulfur, which o n fuel combustion produces corrosive gases of sulfur oxides.