CHARACTERIZATION AND DETERMINATION OF OPTIMUM BLENDING RATIO OF BLENDED WATERMELON SEED OIL
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Date
2024
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NIGERIAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCES (NJEAS)
Abstract
Watermelon fruit contains large amounts of seeds, which are underutilized in Nigeria. The seeds
contain about 22% oil, which can be used as vegetable oil or as feedstock for biodiesel to power
agricultural machineries. This study explored the physicochemical properties of watermelon
biodiesel, crucial for understanding its suitability for various applications. The research demonstrated
that watermelon biodiesel meets specified standards such as ASTM D-6751 and EN-14214, ensuring
its viability for widespread use. Post-transesterification, the viscosity of raw watermelon oil
decreases, though it remains notably higher than that of conventional diesel fuel. Moreover,
watermelon biodiesel blends ranging from B5 to B25 comply with diverse specification standards,
further validating its utility. Despite reductions in density, specific gravity, and flash point after
transesterification, these values remain higher compared to diesel fuel. The study developed
regression equations to forecast properties at varying blending ratios, indicating strong correlations
between biodiesel properties and blending percentages. Notably, the derived equations exhibited high
coefficient of regression values (0.8389 for density, 0.9317 for kinematic viscosity, 0.9669 for flash
point, 0.9702 for specific gravity, and 0.9025 for calorific value), highlighting the reliability of
predictions. Based on standard compliance considerations, a blending ratio of up to 25% was
recommended as optimal for achieving desired properties in watermelon biodiesel blends.