65
Energy characterization of biodiesel obtained
by transesterification from organic matter and
its influence as an additive on the mechanical
performance of the engine of the mazda bt-50
vehicle
Caracterización energética del biodiesel obtenido por
transesterificación a partir de materia orgánica y su influencia
como aditivo en el rendimiento mecánico del motor del vehículo
mazda bt-50
Mario Javier Llumitasig Calvopiña
1
Israel Antonio Orozco Manobanda
2
Jesica Belén Defaz Chimba
3
Abstract: The research work obtained biodiesel by using beef fat as
raw material, which in our environment is considered as waste, taking
advantage of its energy potential through a transesterification process,
using sodium hydroxide as a catalyst, which is a substance in aqueous
solution "lye"; producing 55% of the raw material in biodiesel due to
the chemical reaction that divides the beef tallow into glycerin and
products derived from the reaction, in addition to the losses in the
washing and drying processes. Blends were made at B25, B40, B55,
B70 and B85 % with premium diesel characterized by physical-
chemical tests that determine levels of sulfur, water, cloud point,
cetane index, copper foil corrosion, density, viscosity, flash point, PH
level and calorific value under NTE INEN and ASTM standards that
will establish the best samples; to use them the internal combustion
engine of the Mazda BT-50 truck, determining the impact on the
mechanical performance of the test vehicle such as: torque, power,
consumption and opacity to analyze and compare based on nominal
values of the vehicle and national regulations in force establishing
which is the most optimal sample for use.
Keywords: Transesterification, Biodiesel, Biodiesel, Biofuels,
Calorific value, Opacity, Opacity
Published
Edwards Deming Higher Technological
Institute. Quito - Ecuador
Periodicity
October - December
Dates of receipt
Received: May 09, 2023
Approved: July 23, 2023
http://centrosuragraria.com/index.php/revista
vol. 1. Num. 19. 2023.
pp. 65-78
Correspondence author
m_llumitasig@istsb.edu.ec
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License, Attribution-
NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0
International.https://creativecommons.org/lice
nses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.es
1
MSc. Instituto Superior Tecnológico Simón Bolívar, Ecuador, m_llumitasig@istsb.edu.ec, http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8889-1367
2
MSc. Instituto Tecnológico Superior Simón Bolívar, Ecuador, i_orozco@istsb.edu.ec, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2931-0240
3
MSc. Instituto Tecnológico Superior Simón Bolívar, Ecuador, jbelendefaz@hotmail.com, https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6758-9387
Energy characterization of biodiesel obtained by transesterification from organic matter and its
influence as an additive on the mechanical performance of the engine of the mazda bt-50 vehicle
66
Resumen: El trabajo de investigación obtuvo biodiesel mediante el
aprovechamiento de la grasa de res vacuno como materia prima la
misma que en nuestro medio es considerada como desecho,
aprovechando su potencial energético mediante un proceso de
transesterificación, utilizando como catalizador el hidróxido de sodio
que es una sustancia en disolución acuosa “lejía”; produciendo el 55%
de la materia prima en biodiesel debido a la reacción química que
divide el sebo de res vacuno en glicerina y productos derivados de la
reacción, además de las pérdidas en los procesos de lavado y secado.
Se realizó mezclas al B25, B40, B55, B70 y B85 % con diésel
premium caracterizadas mediante pruebas físico – químicas que
determinan niveles de azufre, agua, punto de nube, índice cetano,
corrosión de lámina de cobre, densidad, viscosidad, punto de
inflamación, nivel de PH y poder calorífico bajo normas NTE INEN
y ASTM que establecerán las mejores muestras; para usarlas el motor
de combustión interna de la camioneta Mazda BT-50, determinando
la incidencia en el rendimiento mecánico del vehículo de prueba
como: torque, potencia, consumo y opacidad para analizar y comparar
en función de valores nominales del vehículo y normativas nacionales
vigentes instaurando cual es la muestra más óptima para su uso.
Palabras clave: Transesterificación, Biodiesel, Biocombustibles,
Poder calorífico, Opacidad
Introduction
The constant world population growth, national vehicle fleet based on
industrial development, as well as the decrease in crude oil storage,
generates great interest and awareness of the scientific and political
community on issues related to pollution and environmental protection
produced by internal combustion motor vehicles, hence the need to
develop alternatives based on existing natural resources. ASTM This
refers to oils and fats of animal origin (oleaginous tissues), such as
tallow from cattle and the poultry industry, which can be used as a raw
material to obtain biodiesel. Compared to vegetable oils, animal fats
and oils are of low cost. Biodiesel obtained from animal fats can be
characterized according to their physicochemical properties(Ortiz &
October - December vol. 1. Num. 19 - 2023
67
Rodriguez, 2013). Among the physical properties that are performed
are: sulfur content, water content, copper foil corrosion, density,
viscosity, melting point, calorific value and cetane number (ASTM
D6751-15).(ASTM D6751-15c, 2010)..
(MICSE, 2012) It argues that "greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
(carbon dioxide -CO2-, methane -CH4 and nitrous oxide -N2O)
increased by 10.7% with respect to 2013. This represented the emission
of 45.8 million tons of CO2 equivalents12 by the country's energy
sector, of which transportation is the largest generator of gases
occupying 39% of total emissions. The next largest contributors in
emissions are power plants (13.6%) and industry (13.3%)."
This research work presents the results of obtaining biodiesel in the
laboratory and at a semi-industrial level from beef fat by
transesterification and its use, mixed in different proportions with
conventional diesel fuel, in a diesel engine of a Mazda BT-50 pickup
truck. Beef fat belongs to the group of raw materials considered
strategic because large quantities are discarded daily in the different
feedlots (UNE-EN ISO 660).(UNE-EN ISO 660:2010 Oils and fats of
animal and vegetable origin ..., n.d.).
The experimental work was carried out in four phases. The first one
includes the treatment and characterization of the raw material, the
biodiesel production process and the mixture in concentrations from
25% to 85% with variations of 15%, the determination of the main
properties of the diesel after using biodiesel as an additive and finally
the performance tests in the vehicle with the different samples.(Texo,
2009). In the second phase, mechanical performance, torque, power and
fuel consumption tests of the MAZDA BT-50 vehicle engine were carried
out in the Dynamometer of the Engines and Rectification laboratory
through the interface, emissions and opacity in the Yard Mechanics
laboratory with the CARTEK gas analyzer under static and dynamic
conditions of the University of the Armed Forces ESPE Latacunga
Extension based on a test method of the NTE INEN 960 and 2207 through
ideal conditions of execution.
Figure 1 details the refining process carried out on the raw material:
collection, change of state and filtering to obtain a liquid substance free
of solid particles for subsequent characterization.
Energy characterization of biodiesel obtained by transesterification from organic matter and its
influence as an additive on the mechanical performance of the engine of the mazda bt-50 vehicle
68
Figure 1. Organic matter treatment process
Recolección
Almacenamient
o
¿Esta libre de
sustancias sólidas?
Exponer a una temperatura
de 120°C para el cambio de
estado sólido a líquido a
Procesamiento de
materia orgánica
Observación de
materia orgánica
SI
¿Posee grasa
sólida aún?
NO
SI
Desechar
NO
Recolección de
grasa líquida a
60°C
Almacene para
llevar al siguiente
proceso
Filtrado de grasa líquida
a temperatura ambiente
¿Contiene
partículas ?
NO
SI
FIN
INICIO
October - December vol. 1. Num. 19 - 2023
69
Materials and methods
(Ecuadorian, 2013) The raw material, beef tallow, was characterized to
determine the concentration of the reagents to be used, then once the
biodiesel was obtained it was characterized using the physical-chemical
tests that diesel complies with here in Ecuador under the NTE INEN
1489-2012 standard.
Figure 2 describes how to determine whether or not the organic matter
is suitable for the transesterification process, taking into account fat
characteristics such as: density, acidity index, acidity and saponification
index.
Figure 2. Organic matter characterization process
Caracterización de la
grasa líquida
Densidad
Relativa
Índice de acidez
Acidez
Índice de
saponificación
Someter a una temperatura de
60 °C para cambiar de estado
solido a liquido.
PRUEBAS
Materia lista para
proceso de
transesterifi cacion.
¿Wab y Wffa
es menor a 3% ?
SI
Añadir oxido de calcio
para disminuir los
índices
NO
¿Densidad es
inferior a 0,980?
¿Índice de
saponificación es
inferior a 160?
SI
NO
SI
Mezclar con grasa de
menor densidad
NO
FIN
INICIO
Energy characterization of biodiesel obtained by transesterification from organic matter and its
influence as an additive on the mechanical performance of the engine of the mazda bt-50 vehicle
70
Taking into consideration the values of the acidity index and the
saponification index to calculate the mass of the raw material, the
volume of sodium hydroxide and methanol. To carry out the
transesterification, a catalyst is needed, which in this case will be
potassium hydroxide (KOH), which allows a complete reaction in the
process due to its higher ion content; the chemical product regulatory
bodies restrict its free distribution to the public, so sodium hydroxide
(NaOH) is used, which is a substitute and free sale to the public.
Table 1. Molecular Weight of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
Molecular mass
(gr)
22,9897
15,9994
1,0079
39.9970
Beef fat contains glycerides that need to be converted into esters, this is
achieved by the reaction of the fat with high purity (99.9%)
concentration methanol. The physicochemical properties of methanol
Table 2.
Table 2. Physical and chemical characteristics of methanol
Physical and chemical characteristics of methanol
Purity
99,9 %
Density
0.79 g/cm
3
Molecular mass
32.04 g/mol
October - December vol. 1. Num. 19 - 2023
71
Table 3 presents the calculations to determine the proportion of reagents
needed for the transesterification process, optimally without leaving
fatty acid molecules unreacted and ensuring the quality of the biodiesel.
Table 3. Summary of calculations to determine the quantity of reagents
Calculations to determine the amount of reagents
Parameter
Data
Units
Equation
Value
Units
!"#$%&'&()*
)
𝑚
!"
15.5617
+,
𝜌 =
𝑚
!#
−𝑚
!"
𝑣
0,9267
+,
-.
𝑚
!#
38.7300
+,
𝑣
25
-.
Stoichiometric
ratio)/0 10 20 3
3/𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻
119991
mg
𝑅. 𝐸. 𝑆.
= /
3/𝑚𝑜𝑙/𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻
1/𝑚𝑜𝑙/𝑔𝑟𝑠𝑎/𝑑𝑒/𝑟𝑒𝑠
119991
mg/gr
1/𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑠𝑎/𝑑𝑒/𝑟𝑒𝑠
1,000
gr
Tallow dough
(4
𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒂
)
𝑅. 𝐸. 𝑆.
119991
mg/gr
𝑀
$%&'&
=
𝑅. 𝐸. 𝑆.
𝐼𝑠
854,2717
5,(+,676(89(,97
:;<(5=>?>(@A(=A?
𝐼𝑠
140,46
mg/gr
𝑴
𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒂
𝜌
0,9267
5
:<
𝑀
$%&'&
= 𝜌/𝑥/𝑣
463,35
5=
𝑣
500
:<
Methanol mass
(𝒎
𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒍
)
𝑀
$%&'&
463,35
5=
𝑀
!"#$%&'
= # 𝑚
()$*$
∗ 𝑀𝑅
∗
𝑀𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑙
𝑀𝑔𝑟𝑠𝑎
208,2784
5=
𝑀𝑅
12
𝑀𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑙
32
5=
𝑀𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑠𝑎
854,2717
5=
Methanol
volume
(𝑽
𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒍
)
𝑚
234&567
206.2782
5=
𝑉
234&567
=
𝑚
234&567
𝜌
234&567
263,6436
B:
%
𝜌
234&567
0,79
5CB:
%
Mass of
hydroxide
(𝒎
𝑵𝒂𝑶𝑯
)
𝑚
()*$
458,9
5=
𝑚
+$,-
= 𝑚
()$*$
#𝑥#
%
𝑝
𝑝
𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻
100#[𝑔r#grasa]
4,6335
5=
D
E
E
F>GH
1,00
D
grease
100
5=
For the transesterification reaction of 500 ml of beef tallow with a mass
of 463.35 g, 4.634 g of NaOH sodium hydroxide and 263.64 g of
methanol are required for the transesterification reaction. 𝑐𝑚
!
##of
methanol.
Figure 4 details the transesterification process to transform beef tallow
into biodiesel by means of the chemical reaction between the catalyst,
methanol and raw material, which break their molecules and form
methyl esters and glycerin.
Energy characterization of biodiesel obtained by transesterification from organic matter and its
influence as an additive on the mechanical performance of the engine of the mazda bt-50 vehicle
72
Figure 3. Transesterification process.
(Pablo, Ignacio, & Pablo, 2009) The by-products at the end of the
process are glycerin and biodiesel, it is necessary to let them rest while
they are separated by density difference, decanting helps to separate the
Deposite la materia
prima en el primer
caldero
Suministre calor hasta
cambiar de estado solido-
liquido a la materia
Limpie y seque los
calderos
Suministre GLP al
reactor
Conecte a una fuente
de 220 V para las
bombas
Grasa sólida lista.
¿Cumple parámetros
anteriores?
NO
SI
¿Materia prima en
estado liquido?
Encienda la primera
bomba
Espere hasta que se
trasvase al s eg undo caldero
Suministre nuevamente calor
para eliminar agua
NO
SI
Mantener a 60 °C y agitar
durante 60 minutos
¿Se a separado el
biodiesel
de la glicerina?
A
Proceso de
transesterificación a nivel
semi industrial
INICIO
Proporción de
reactivos listos
Apague la llama de
suministro de calor
Encienda la segunda bomba
Espere hasta que se trasvase
al tercer caldero
Agregue los reactivos
Deje reposar mientras
se separan la glicerina
NO
SI
El primer caldero esta a lado
izquierdo del reactor , junto a la
entrada del suministro de GLP
October - December vol. 1. Num. 19 - 2023
73
glycerin that is deposited at the bottom of the boiler and by means of
the valve it is extracted by the action of gravity. Once the biodiesel and
glycerin separation process is completed, the biodiesel is purified by
washing and drying methods. The characterization tests of the diesel-
biodiesel mixtures carried out in the chemistry laboratories of the
Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE Latacunga Extension are
detailed below: density, calorific value, viscosity and PH level.
According to the results obtained from the different experimental tests
developed in the research, the energy potential of the Premium diesel
blends with biodiesel in different concentrations as an alternative
energy source for use in diesel engines was determined. The
measurement of torque and power was carried out in the roller
dynamometer of the Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE-L in
the engine and rectification laboratory, resulting in graphs according to
the engine speed, generating torque and power data. The MAZDA BT-
50 vehicle was used to perform the tests, in order to obtain the
characteristic curves prior to the measurement of its performance,
preventive maintenance was performed.
Result
The results of the characterization table 4 of beef fat according to the
physical-chemical analysis report.
Table 4. Beef tallow characterization
Parameter
Result
Allowable
values
Unit
Method of
analysis
Relative density
0,9267
0,980
gr/ml
PA-FQ-74/
NTE-INEN-35-
1
Acid number
0,98
3
mgNaOH/gr
MAL 29/NTE
INEN ISO 660
Acidity
0,49
3
%
MAL 29/NTE
INEN ISO 660
Saponification
index
140,46
160
mg/gr
MAL 29/NTE
INEN ISO 660
Energy characterization of biodiesel obtained by transesterification from organic matter and its
influence as an additive on the mechanical performance of the engine of the mazda bt-50 vehicle
74
(BENAVIDES, BENJUMEA, & PASHOVA, 2007) The main
variables that determine or influence the quality and completeness of
the transesterification reaction are directly related to the quality of the
raw material, the type, quantity and purity of the catalyst, the purity
level of the alcohol, the alcohol/oil molar ratio and the conditions under
which the reaction is carried out, such as temperature, pressure and
agitation speed.
Table 5 details the results of density, sulfur content, cetane number,
flash point, kinematic viscosity, copper foil corrosion, water by
distillation, cloud point, calorific value and pH according to the test
methods performed.(Galeano L. & Guapacha M., 2011).. The analysis
of the results to characterize the blends considers the NTE INEN 1489
and ASTM 6751 standard that establishes parameters that diesel fuel
for vehicles with compression ignition engines must meet.(INEN,
2016)
Table 5. Summary of characteristic parameters of biodiesel at various
percentages
Comparison of biodiesel characteristic parameters and standards
ESSAY
UNIT
B25
B40
B55
B70
B85
NTE INEN
1489
ASTM 6751
STANDARD
Density
15°C
Kg/𝑚
;
835.60
842,90
846
851,2
855,2
860mi-
900 max.
860 min -
900 max.
Sulfur
Content
%P
0,0068
0,0029
0,0009
0,0002
0,0000
max. 0.05
0.0015 max.
Cetane
number
--
53
51
51
50
49
51 min.
47 min.
Flash point
°C
168,90
171,00
185,33
202,83
219,33
min. 51
Minimum 130
Kinematic
viscosity
15°C
Cst
3,88
3,93
4,09
5,37
5,71
min-max.
2,0-5,0
1.9 min - 6 max.
October - December vol. 1. Num. 19 - 2023
75
Water by
distillation
%V
0,00
0,00
0,00
0,05
0,05
max. 0.05
0.05 max.
Copper
Sheet
Corrosion
Corrosion
1a
1a
1a
1a
1a
1a
No. 3 max.
Cloud point
°C
0
6
8
11
15
--
--
Calorific
Power
J/gr
67028.7
0
65688,13
63677,
27
60549,26
57421,
25
--
--
PH
--
5
5
5
5
5
--
--
The density increases as the biodiesel concentration increases, none of
these diesel-biodiesel blends are within the minimum value.
Densities decrease by 2.84%, 1.99%, 1.63%, 1.02% and 0.56% for
samples B25, B40, B55, B70 and B85 respectively; B85 being the value
that approaches the minimum of INEN 1478 with a value of 855.2
Kg/m3.
The ASTM D6751 standard for biodiesel establishes that the minimum
flash point must be 93°C and in NTE INEN 1489 it is 51°C for diesel;
based on these values, all samples are within specifications.
The sample of B25 and B40 present a similar inflation point of 168.9
°C and 171 °C respectively, B55 is 134.33 °C above the minimum value
of INEN 1489, the proportions B70 and B85 present a variation of
151.83 and 168.33 respectively being the highest variations in relation
to the value established by INEN 1489.
The viscosity of samples B25, B40 and B55 have the following values
3.88 3.93 and 409 respectively, which are within the range determined
by the Ecuadorian technical standard; mixtures B70 and B85 are outside
the maximum value established in INEN 1489. The B70 sample is
7.40% higher than the maximum value, and B85 is 14.20% above the
maximum value.
Energy characterization of biodiesel obtained by transesterification from organic matter and its
influence as an additive on the mechanical performance of the engine of the mazda bt-50 vehicle
76
Table 6. Summary of measured engine operating parameters.
Vehicle operating parameters with biofuel samples
Manual values
Measured values
Fuel consumption
Opacity
Samples
Power
(KW)
Torque
(Nm)
Power
(hp)
Torque
(Nm)
Time
(gal/h)
Mileage
(6Km)
(gallons)
Diesel
105
330
137,5
249,51
0,48
0.20
0,95
B25
--
--
108,3
180,39
0,62
0.39
0,81
B40
115,4
263,04
0,65
0.32
0,64
B55
100,7
173,82
1,35
0.33
0,53
B70
105,9
186,47
1,81
0.71
0,40
B85
84,2
152,45
3,50
0.68
0,26
(BIOFUEL PERFORMANCE IN DIESEL ENGINES | NÚÑEZ ISAZA |
Energetics, n.d.)The torque that the engine reaches when supplying
diesel is 249.51 Nm at 1800 rpm, and a power of 137.5 Hp at 3500 rpm,
a value very close to the value of the manual which is 141 HP at the
same engine speed. When the B40 sample is supplied to the engine it
reaches a torque of 263.04 Nm, exceeding the torque obtained with the
diesel, but in terms of power the diesel undoubtedly exceeds it by 21.8
HP. The samples of B25, 55 and B70 develop a similar power of 108.3,
100.7 and 105.9 HP respectively, being the samples with a performance
very close to that of B40, while the diesel - biodiesel mixture presents
a decrease of 53.3 HP with respect to the performance with diesel.
The following shows the loss and gain of torque and power in
percentages, according to each of the samples, as previously analyzed,
the only one with an increase in power is B40.
The B85 sample is the one with the greatest decline in torque and power
performance, clearly showing a decline of 38.90% in torque and
38.76% in power with reference to diesel. While the B25, B55 and B70
samples present a similar decrease and not as abrupt as the B85 sample.
October - December vol. 1. Num. 19 - 2023
77
On the other hand, it is important to highlight the performance of the
B40 sample, which presents an increase of 5.42% in torque compared
to diesel.
Fuel consumption is one of the key parameters to carry out a proper
selection of the best blend to use in the engine. Figure 10 below shows
the fuel consumption variations according to the biofuel concentration.
Conclusions
All samples show an increase in fuel consumption with respect to
diesel, so that more fuel is needed to achieve similar performance to
that of the diesel-fueled engine.
Fuel consumption with diesel is 0.2 gallons per 6 km traveled, while
consumption with the B40 and B55 samples is 0.32 and 0.33 gallons
respectively, being these the samples with the lowest consumption
among the 5, consuming 0.12 gallons more with respect to diesel.
The CARTEK opacimeter determines the light absorption coefficient
(k) of the exhaust gases in diesel engines and must be converted to
opacity percentage. As in the performance tests, the blends are made at
the percentages (B25, B40, B55, B70, B85 and 100% diesel).
References
ASTM D6751-15c. (2010). Standard Specification for Biodiesel Fuel
Blend Stock (B100) for Middle Distillate Fuels. ASTM
International, i, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1520/D6751
PERFORMANCE OF BIOFUELS IN DIESEL ENGINES | NÚÑEZ
ISAZA | Energetics (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2020, from
https://revistas.unal.edu.co/index.php/energetica/article/view/950
6
Ecuatoriana, N. T. (2013). Amendment (2013-06-14).
Galeano L., C. A., & Guapacha M., E. (2011). Utilization and
caraterization of chicken fatty residues for the production of a
biofuel.
INEN (2005). Environmental Management. Air. Motor Vehicles.
Permissible Limits On Emissions Produced By Diesel Land
Mobile Sources. 2002, 2-7.
INEN. (2016). Nte Inen1489. 2-3.
Energy characterization of biodiesel obtained by transesterification from organic matter and its
influence as an additive on the mechanical performance of the engine of the mazda bt-50 vehicle
78
Ortiz, Á. V., & Rodríguez, L. M. (2013). Obtaining Biodiesel from
Different Types of Animal Residual Fats. Luna Azul, 36, 10-25.
https://doi.org/10.17151/luaz.2013.36.2.
https://doi.org/10.17151/luaz.2013.36.2.
Texo, J. P. (2009). Biofuels Thesis.
UNE-EN ISO 660:2010 Oils and fats of animal and vegetable origin ...
(n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2020, from
https://www.une.org/encuentra-tu-norma/busca-tu-
norma/norma?c=N0044795
BENAVIDES, A., BENJUMEA, P., & PASHOVA, V. (2007).
HIGUERILLA OIL BIODIESEL AS AN ALTERNATIVE FUEL
FOR DIESEL ENGINES. DYNA.
MICSE (2012).
Pablo, J., Ignacio, B. C., & Pablo, D. J. (2009). Overview of the
development of the biofuels industry in Uruguay. Biocombustibles,
12-15.