Biodiesel Production from Mesua ferrea L. and Pongamia glabra Vent

Among several varieties of nonedible oilseeds available in northeast India, two major nonedible oilseeds of Mesua ferrea L tree and Pongamia glabra Vent. tree were selected for biodiesel production. Preliminary investigation with respect to oil content and fatty acid composition of these two oilseeds showed that oil content of Mesua ferrea L seed is 75% by wt of milled kernels while Pongamia glabra seed contain 33.6% by wt. of milled kernels. Fatty acid composition showed that Pongamia glabra oil consist of 99% identified fatty acid which could be easily esterified while Mesua ferrea L consist of 98% identified fatty acids. Other proximate analysis showed that Pongamia glabra oil could be easily transesterified than Mesua ferrea L oil. The biodiesel so produced were tested for all the fuel properties as per ASTM D6751 02 specified for biodiesel and blend stock. Careful investigation and analysis of all the engine parameters and emission characteristics of these biodiesel blend unveil that B5 of Mesua ferrea and B20 of Pongamia glabra biodiesel could easily be recommended for unmodified diesel.