An experimental study to evaluate the use of coconut-based fuels as alternatives to diesel oil

Coconut-based oils intended for use as alternatives to diesel fuel have bee n investigated and some of the more relevant properties have been presented . The laboratory production of water-washed coconut oil and both ethyl and methyl eaters have been described. The common problem associated with veget able oils of high gum content was avoided by de-gumming and has, therefore, not been considered. The other well-known problem of high viscosity has be en considered particularly by an extensive spray pattern investigation. Ini tial results of the performance of a single-cylinder direct-injection diese l engine using these fuels have been compared using standard diesel oil as a datum. It is concluded that in appropriate geographical locations coconut -derived fuels provide an excellent alternative to diesel oil.