Obtención de combustible alternativo para motores diésel por clarificación de aceite de cocina usado

Abstract

This article presents an alternative method that seeks to reuse used cooking oil (considered a common waste) by transforming it into a fuel for diesel engines. The proposed methodology to achieve this objective was the clarification method of used cooking oil, employing renewable and affordable raw materials. In this process, aloe vera and sodium hydroxide are used, which combined form a clarifying solution, evaluating three mixing percentages of 7.5%, 10%, and 12.5% of NaOH in relation to the mass of aloe vera. Density and pH measurements were taken to characterize the raw materials and the obtained product. Tests were conducted regarding conventional fossil diesel, measuring fuel consumption over a period and the revolutions generated by the engine measured at the transmission shaft in both cases. It was established that the best mixing percentage is at 10% and the optimal temperature for the oil is 105°C. The testing of the alternative fuel allowed for a comparative parallel where it was evident that, with the use of this fuel, the engine experiences an increase in consumption and engine revolutions. The results obtained from the clarification method demonstrate that used cooking oil has the potential to become a promising alternative fuel for diesel engines.