Thesis Archive
Evaluation of the Physicochemical Properties of Petroleum Nut (Pittosporum Resiniferum) Oil (2015-2016)
Pia F. del Rosario
Marela Marie E. Ignacio
Christian R. Lumanog
Abstract:
-“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 25-70˚C. 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 -6.0˚C 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.”
Adviser:
Dr. Susan A. Roces
Dr. Nathaniel P. Dugos