A Review On CNSL Biodiesel

International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)
ISSN (Online): 2319-7064

Impact Factor (2012): 3.358
A Review on CNSL Biodiesel as an Alternative fuel

for Diesel Engine
Raghavendra Prasada S.A
M. Tech. Student, Thermal Power Engineering,
Alvas Institute of Engineering and Technology, Moodbidri, Karnataka, India,
Abstract: The world is confronted with serious problems like depleting reserves of petroleum and environmental issues have led to the
search for more environmental friendly and renewable fuels. Biodiesel obtained from various renewable sources has been recognized as
one of the alternative fuel due to its biodegradability, high cetane number, no sulphur emissions and low volatility. In this paper Cashew
nut oil is used as raw material to produce a biodiesel. This paper reviews the preparation of biodiesel from Cashew nut shell oil (CNSL),
properties of oil and Biodiesel, performance and emission of cashew nut oil as biodiesel in Compression Ignition engine. Cashew nut oil
is one of the most efficient and high productivity Non-edible oil crops. The cashew nut oil blended in varying proportion like 10%, 20%,
30% etc. with diesel fuel in the CI engine. By varying the Compression ratio, Injection pressure, Speed, Load or by using Additives we
can check the performance and emission characteristics of biodiesel-diesel blends and finds the most preferable combination of the
blend for diesel engine. Based on various studies, this paper generally found that CNSL biodiesel is considered as offering many
advantages, including sustainability, decrease of HC, CO, NOx gas emissions and many harmful pollutants.
Keywords: Cashew nut shell oil, Biodiesel, performance, harmful pollutants, Non-edible oil crops.
1. Introduction
Diesel engines are the major source of transportation, powergeneration, marine applications etc. But due to gradual
depletion of world petroleum reserves and the impact of
environmental pollution there is an urgent need for suitable
alternate fuels for use in diesel engines. In view of this,
vegetable oils like palm oil, cottonseed oil and Neem oil,
Pongamia oil are considered as alternate fuels to diesel
which are promising alternatives [1]. The world is
confronted with a twin crisis of limited supply and the
increasing cost of fossil fuels. This issue has led to increased
exploration into alternative renewable energy for ensuring
energy security and resolving environmental issues [2].
Biomass-based fuel such as alcohol, biogas, biodiesel and
vegetable oil are found to be possible substitutes for
petroleum based fuels [3]. The consumption of diesel fuels
in India was 28.30 million tones which was 43.2% of the
consumption of petroleum products. This requirement was
met by importing crude petroleum as well as petroleum
products [4]. The reserves of crude petroleum are stiffly
depleting and the pries of the furnace oil and light diesel oil
are constantly increasing [5]. A renewable fuel such as
biodiesel, with lesser exhaust emissions, is the need of the
day. Hence, researchers and scientific community worldwide
have focused on development of biodiesel and the
optimization of the processes to meet the standards and
specifications needed for the fuel to be used commercially
without compromising on the durability of engine parts [6].
In 1970s, Africa was the largest producer of raw cashew nuts
accounting for 67.5% of world production. This
subsequently declined to 35.6% by 2000, with Nigeria,
Tanzania and Mozambique being largest producers. The
production in Asia during the same periods increased from
26.8% to 49.5% with the major producers being India,
Indonesia and Vietnam. Similarly, the production in South
and Central America also rose from 4.5% in 1970 to 14.5%
in 2000 with Brazil and El Salvador being the leading
producers [7]. India is the largest producer, processor,
Paper ID: 0201562
exporter and Second largest consumer of cashew in the

world. Total area in India under cashew cultivation is about
8,54,000 hectare with annual production of 6,20,000 tones
giving average productivity 820 kg/ha with highest
productivity reported in Maharashtra (1500 kg/ha) from
1,73,601ha under cultivation and produced 1,97,000 tones of
raw cashew nut seeds through 2200-3650 cashew processing
units. Production of Cashew nut shell in Koknan region is
20,000 metric tons as waste product obtained during
deshelling of cashew kernels [8]. As of now cashew nut
processing industries are looking for quick disposal of
cashew nut shells at reasonable prices. Presently it is burnt in
a semi open pit for thermal energy generation for roasting of
the nuts and is also picked up by hotels, bakeries at a cheaper
rate and fired for cooking applications. In all these
applications the efficiency is very low [9]. CNSL is
extraction from cashew nut shell (CNS) by using of different
methods. The heating process (roasting) can be achieved by
open recipients or drums. The cashews can also be heated by
CNSL in a process denominated as thermo mechanic (hot
oil process). In the cold, the CNSL can be obtained by
extrusion, in solvents or by pressing [10].
1.1. Why CNSL oil?
Biodiesel is a clean burning alternate fuel, produced from
renewable resources like virgin or used vegetable oils, both
edible and non-edible. It can be used in compression-ignition
(diesel) engines with little or no modifications. The use of
edible oil to produce bio diesel in India is not feasible in
view of big gap in demand and supply of such oil. Indian
plants like Jatropha (Jatropha curcas), Mahua (Madhuca
Indica), Karanja (Pongamia pinnata) and Neem (Mellia
azadirachta) contain 30% or more oil in their seed, fruit or
nut. In India, as edible oils are in short supply, non-edible
tree borne oilseeds (TBOs) of karanja, Jatropha, Mahua and
Neem are being considered as the source of straight
vegetable oil (SVO) and biodiesel. Plant species, which have
30% or more fixed oil in their seeds or kernel, have been
Volume 3 Issue 7, July 2014

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2028

identified [11]. The mesocarp of cashew nut consists of
honey comb network of cells containing a viscous liquid
called cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). It obtained from the
shell of a cashew nut. About 30-35% CNSL is present in the
shell, which amounts to approximately 6% of the nut [12].
Hence, Cashew nut oil can also be used to produce fuel to
run CI (Diesel) engines.
1.2.1 Uses: There are many uses of Cashew nut tree, Cashew
nut, oil etc. [13].
a) Food: Botanically, the nut is the fruit; the cashew apple is
the swollen, fleshy fruit stalk. The seeds kernels are
extracted by shelling the roasted nuts. In production areas,
cashew serves as food. Elsewhere it forms a delicacy. The
kernels are nutritious, containing fats, proteins,
carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
b)Fodder: The cake remaining after oil has been extracted
from the kernel serves as animal food. Seed coats are used
as poultry feed.
c) Fuel: The wood is popular for firewood and charcoal. The
residue of the shell is often used as fuel in cashew nut
shell liquid extraction plants.
d)Fiber: Pulp from the wood is used to fabricate corrugated
and hardboard boxes.
e) Gum or resin: The bark contains an acrid sap of thick
brown resin, which becomes black on exposure to air. This
is used as indelible ink in marking and printing linens and
cottons. The resin is also used as a varnish. The stem also
yields an amber-coloured gum, which is partly soluble in
water. This gum is used as an adhesive (for woodwork
panels, plywood, bookbinding), partly because it has
insecticidal properties.
f) Tannin or dyestuff: The acrid sap of the bark contains 35% tannin and is employed in the tanning industry.
g) Lipids: Oil, cashew nut shell liquid, is produced in the
large cells of the pericarp; it has industrial applications and
is used as a preservative to treat, for instance, wooden
structures and fishing nets. It is also in good demand for
paints, synthetic resins, laminated products, brake linings
and clutch facings.
h)Alcohol: In Brazil, Mozambique and Indonesia cashew
wine (slightly fermented juice) is enjoyed at harvest time
and can be distilled to produce strong alcoholic drinks. In
Goa, India, fermenting the juice makes a type of brandy
called fenni.
i) Poison: One of the components of the bark gum acts as a
vesicant and has insect repellent properties.
j) Medicine: Cashew syrup is a good remedy for coughs and
colds. Cashew apple juice is said to be effective for the
treatment of syphilis. Root infusion is an excellent
purgative. Old cashew liquor in small doses cures
stomach-ache. The oil obtained from the shell by
maceration in spirit is applied to cure cracks on the sole of
the feet, common in villagers. Cashew apple is antiscorbutic, astringent and diuretic, and is used for cholera
and kidney troubles. Bark is astringent, counterirritant,
rubefacient, vesicant, and used for ulcer.
k)Timber: The wood of Anarcardium occidentale (white
mahogany in Latin America) is fairly hard with a density
of 500 kg/cm. It finds useful applications in wheel hubs,
yoke, fishing boats, furniture, false ceilings and interior
decoration. Boxes made from the wood are collapsible but
Paper ID: 0201562
are strong enough to compete with conventional wooden

packing cases [13].
1.2. What is CNSL
CNSL: Cashew tree (Anarcardium Occidentale) is a native
of southern America and was brought to Africa by the
Portuguese. The tree produces nuts in a kernel with
economic importance. The major producing countries of
cashew are Tanzania, India, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, Kenya,
Madagascar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria,
Senegal, Malawi, and Angola [14]. Cashew nut shell liquid
(CNSL) is the byproduct of the cashew industry.
Conventionally, CNSL is extracted by various methods such
as open pan roasting; drum roasting, hot oil roasting, cold
extrusion, etc. [15]. The main product of cashew plant is
cashew nuts, while the secondary products are false fruits
and cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). Currently, both the
false fruit and CNSL have not been exploited optimally,
mostly just as wastes. The production of unshelled cashew
nuts in 2002 was 94,439 tons and about 42,498-47,220 tons
of CNS were obtained, hence it contained about 7,65010,861 tons of CNSL. The main components of CNSL are
anacardic acid, cardanol, and cardol [16].
1.3. Methods of producing CNSL oil
CNSL is classified into Technical CNSL and natural CNSL
depending upon the type of Extraction. Technical CNSL is
rich in Cardanol (also known as Decarboxylated CNSL)
where as Natural CNSL is rich in Anacardic acid. There are
three main methods generally used in extracting cashew nut
shell liquid from cashew nuts namely thermal, mechanical
and solvent extraction. Subbarao et al. [17] explained these
methods.
1.3.1 Thermal extraction
In this there three methods are there, like Roasting method,
hot oil bath method or by Using Solar cooker. The roasting
process not only removes the corrosive CNSL, but also
makes the shell brittle, thereby aiding the cracking process.
In order to extract the retained CNSL, the nuts are roasted in
baths at a temperature of 180185C. Vents in the equipment
dispel the unpleasant fumes. This method recovers 8590%
of the liquid. In hot oil bath method cashew nut shells were
collected in the cylinder, where steam heating was applied at
temperatures around 200-250C for 2-3 minutes. CNSL was
then released from the shells and the process was repeated.
This method yields CNSL of around 7-12% by weight.
Where as in Solar cooker method Cashew nut shell oil was
extracted using concentrating solar cooker of 1.4 kW
capacity and a diameter of 1.4m. The focal point diameter of
the cooker was 30m and was used to collect the reflected
heat from reflector and achieved a temperature of 225-300C
[17].
1.3.2 Mechanical extraction:
The raw cashew nut shells are put in the hydraulic press on
screw pressing and then exert high pressure in order to
release CNSL from shells. By using screw speed of 7-13 rpm
and feeding rate of 54-95 kg/h, the percentage of CNSL
extracted was 20.65-21.04 percent, the percentage of CNSL

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purity was 85.53-87.8 wt % and the rate of extraction was
11.93-14.90 kg/h 40 [17].
1.3.3 Solvent extraction
This method gives off most of CNSL compared to other
methods. The oil remains in the residue was less than 1% by
weight. Extraction solvents fall into two groups; those which
are less dense than water and those which are denser.
Commonly used extraction solvents which fall into the first
group include diethyl ether (the most common extraction
solvent of all), ethyl acetate and hydrocarbons, such as light
petroleum, hexane or toluene. The second group comprises
chlorinated solvents, such as dichloromethane and
chloroform, with dichloromethane being the preferred
solvent because of its lower toxicity. However, chlorinated
solvents do have a greater tendency to form emulsions than
non chlorinated solvents [17].
Cashew nut is a high value edible nut. It yields two Oils
one of these found, between the seed coat (or pericarp) and
the nuts, is called the Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) [18].
Extraction of oil from cashew nut shell is explained by many
investigators. Tejas Gandhi et al. [10] explain that, The
Cashew nut has a shell of about 1/8 inch thickness, with a
soft honeycomb structure inside, containing a dark brown
viscous liquid. It is called cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL),
which is pericarp fluid of the cashew nut. CNSL is extraction
from cashew nut shell (CNS) by using of different methods.
Solvent-extracted CNSL contains anacardic acid (6065%),
cardol (1520%), cardanol (10%) and traces of methyl
cardol. Technical CNSL is obtained by roasting shells and
contains mainly cardanol (6065%), cardol (1520%),
polymeric material (10%), and traces of methyl cardol.
Figure 1: Structure of main components of CNSL [10]
1.4.1 Emulsification or micro Emulsification

To solve the problem of high viscosity of vegetable oil,
micro emulsions with solvents such as methanol, ethanol and
butanol have been used. A micro emulsion is defined as the
colloidal equilibrium dispersion of optically isotropic fluid
microstructures with dimensions generally in the range of 1
150 nm formed spontaneously from two normally
immiscible liquids and one or more ionic or non-ionic
amphiphiles. These can improve spray characteristics by
explosive vaporization of the low boiling constituents in the
micelles. All micro emulsions with butanol, hexanol and
octanol will meet the maximum viscosity limitation for
diesel engines [20]. The formation of micro emulsions (cosolvency) is one of the potential solutions for solving the
problem of vegetable oil viscosity. A micro-emulsion can be
made of vegetable oils with an ester and dispersant (cosolvent), or of vegetable oils, an alcohol and a surfactant and
a cetane improver, with or without diesel fuels [21].
1.4.2 Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis strictly defined; is the conversion of one substance
into another by means of heat or by heat with the aid of a
catalyst. It involves heating in absence of air or oxygen and
cleavage of chemical bonds to yield small molecules [22].
The decarboxylated cardanol is termed as CNSL biodiesel.
The biodiesel obtained from CNSL not required for further
processing like transesterification [23]. It can be obtained by
pyrolysis. Risfaheri et al. [16] explain the pyrolysis
procedure of CNSL, Heating CNSL decomposed the
anacardic acid into cardanol and CO2. Decarboxylation of
CNSL to convert anacardic acid into cardanol could be done
by heating, with an optimum heating temperature of 140C
for 1 hour. Cardanol was isolated from the CNSL by vacuum
distillation (4-8 mmHg) at high temperature, with an
optimum temperature of 280C, and the rendement 74.22%.
1.4.3 Dilution
The vegetable oil is diluted with petroleum diesel to run the
engine. Caterpillar Brazil, in 1980, used pre-combustion
chamber engines with the mixture of 10% vegetable oil to
maintain total power without any alteration or adjustment to
the engine. At that point it was not practical to substitute
100% vegetable oil for diesel fuel, but a blend of 20%
vegetable oil and 80% diesel fuel was successful. Some
short-term experiments used up to a 50/50 ratio [24].
1.4. Methods of producing Biodiesel from CNSL

Studies have revealed that the usage of non-edible oil in neat
form is possible but not preferable. The high viscosity of
non-edible oils and low volatility affects the atomization and
spry patterns of fuel, leading to incomplete combustion and
severe carbon deposits, injector choking and piston ring
sticking. The methods used to reduce the viscosity are.
Emulsification.
Pyrolysis.
Dilution.
Transestrification.
Among these, the transesterification is commonly used
commercial process to produce clean and environment
friendly fuel [19].
Paper ID: 0201562
1.4.4 Transesterification
Pure oils are not suitable for diesel engines because they can
cause the carbon deposits and pour point problems and they
can also cause the problems like engine deposits, injector
plugging, or lube oil gelling. So to use the oils in the diesel
engines, they are chemically treated and that chemical
process
is
known
as
transesterification.
The
transesterification which is also known as alcoholysis is the
reaction of fat or vegetable oil with an alcohol to form esters
and glycerol. Mostly a catalyst is also used to improve the
rate and yield of the reaction. Since the reaction is reversible
in nature, excess alcohol is used to shift the equilibrium
towards the product. Hence, for this purpose primary and
secondary monohydric aliphatic alcohols having 1-8 carbon
atoms are used. The chemical reaction of transesterification
processes is shown below in fig.2. where R represents a

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mixture of various fatty acid chains depending on the
specific oil in use. Subscript 3 represents the number of
moles needed to satisfy the formation of methyl esters [25].
Table 1: Moisture content of CNSL extracted by screw press

and hot oil bath method
Figure 2: Transesterification Reaction [25]
Specific gravity of CNSL: The specific gravity of the

samples of Crude CNSL extracted by screw press, heated
CNSL extracted by screw press and the CNSL extracted by
hot oil bath method were determined and compared as
shown in Table 2.
Linus N. Okoro et al. [26] explains production of Biodiesel

from CNSL as, 50ml (36.0g) of cashew nut oil was
measured and poured into a conical flask. The oil was
preheated to 70C. Sodium hydroxide (0.225g) was weighed
and added to 20ml of methanol in a conical flask. The
sodium hydroxide and methanol were properly mixed by
stirring till the entire pellet dissolves to form sodium
methoxide solution. The sodium methoxide solution was
poured into the preheated cashew nut oil. The solution was
mixed and stirred properly until homogeneity was achieved.
This same procedure was followed while using potassium
hydroxide as catalyst. The reaction mixture was maintained
at a temperature of 70oC for 1.5hr. The product was poured
into a separating funnel and left overnight for proper settling
of the glycerin produced. The products of the
transesterification reaction Fatty Acid Methyl Esters
(FAME) contain some impurities like unreacted methanol,
potassium methoxide and the byproduct of biodiesel
(glycerol) therefore it needs some forms of purification
before it can be used in diesel engines. Hence, the following
procedure was used in washing the biodiesel: 30ml of water
was measured using a measuring cylinder and poured gently
on the product sample. The mixture was gently stirred to
avoid foam formation. Shaking rigorously is not advised.
The mixture of water and biodiesel was left for 5 hrs to settle
into two phases which are; water-impurities phase and
biodiesel phase. The two phase mixture was then separated
using a separating funnel, drying is recommended.
Table 2: Specific gravity of CNSL extracted by screw press

and hot oil bath method
Viscosity of CNSL: The oil viscosity is used in assessing the

lubricating properties of oil. The viscosity of the samples of
Crude CNSL extracted by screw press, heated CNSL
extracted by screw press and the CNSL extracted by hot oil
bath method were determined and compared as shown in
Table 3. It is seen that the viscosity of the Crude CNSL
extracted by screw press was higher than the other types of
CNSL, followed by the CNSL extracted by hot oil bath
method, where as the viscosity of the heated CNSL extracted
by screw press was lowest. This may be due to the effect of
heating the CNSL at high temperature for longer time.
Table 3: Viscosity of CNSL extracted by screw press
method and hot oil bath method
1.5. Properties of CNSL oil

A.P. Chaudhari et al. [27] reported three main properties of
cashew nut oil are Moisture content, Specific gravity and
viscosity.
Moisture content of CNSL: The moisture content of the
samples of Crude CNSL extracted by screw press, heated
CNSL extracted by screw press and the CNSL extracted by
hot oil bath method were determined and compared as
shown in Table 1. The values of moisture contents obtained
are less than the standard permissible values.
Paper ID: 0201562
Evbuowman B. O et al. [28] reported physical and chemical

properties of the oil extracted from the cashew nuts are
presented in Table 4 and 5.

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Table 4: Physical properties of the extracted oil
Table 5: Chemical properties of the extracted oil
Tables 4 and 5 present the physicochemical properties of oil

extracted from cashew nut. The specific gravity is 0.96; this
implies that oil is less dense than water. The melting point
shows the temperature at which a fat or oil starts to melt. The
moisture content was 0.0% for cashew nut oil, which is an
indication of its shelf life and nutritive value, hence low
moisture content is a requirement for long storage life. High
concentrations of free fatty acids are undesirable in crude
oils because they result in large losses of the neutral oil
during refining. Cashew nut contains FFA of 5.4; hence loss
of oil is less during refining. The iodine value is a measure
of the unsaturation of fats and oils and it is an indicator of
double bindings in the molecular structure in terms of
classification of fats and oils. Cashew nut oil is non-drying
with an iodine value lower than 100 [28].
1.6. Properties of CNSL Biodiesel
E. I. Bello et al. [29] reported Properties of CNSL oil,
Biodiesel and Blends and compared with ASTM standards.
Table 6 shows the properties of the oil, Biodiesel and
Blends.
Table 6: Properties of cashew nut oil, its biodiesel and blends to ASTM D6751-02 and EN 14214
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2. Literature Review
Velmurugan A & Loganathan M 2011 [30] conducted
experimental investigation of performance and Emission of a
DI Diesel Engine Fuelled with Cashew Nut Shell Liquid
(CNSL) and its Blend (B20, B40, B60, B80 and B100) and
the results are compared with neat diesel operation. In this
study Biodiesel produced by Pyrolysis method and
properties are evaluated. The diesel engine was not modified
during all the tests. At each engine operating mode,
experiments were carried out for the diesel fuel, and each of
the Cashew-Diesel (CD) blends. The Author conducted
experiments by changing injection timing (18, 19, 21, 23,
26, and 28bTDC), and injector opening pressure (18 Mpa,
20 Mpa, and 22Mpa) to optimize the best brake thermal
efficiency with neat diesel. It was found that the optimized
injection timing and optimized injection pressure is 19
bTDC and 22 Mpa respectively for diesel operation. The
brake thermal efficiency is decreased with higher blends of
CNSL oil (B40, B60, B80 and B100) compared to neat
diesel operation. But in the case of lower blend B20 the
brake thermal efficiency is closer to diesel operation. The
specific fuel consumption is increased in the case of CNSLDiesel blends compared to neat diesel. The unburned
hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions are increased
with blends of CNSL-Diesel as compared to neat diesel. The
smoke density also increases for the blends of CNSL-Diesel
compared to neat diesel operation. The Oxides of Nitrogen
(NOx) emission level is decreased with the blends of CNSL
oil compared to neat diesel. The exhaust gas temperature
decrease with the blends CNSL-Diesel compared to neat
diesel. In general the performance and emission level of
CNSL Diesel blends does not improve, but it can be used as
a low cost alternative fuel for diesel engine. The author
based on this result finally concluded that, In future the
additives and oxygenates can be used with CNSLDiesel
fuel to improve the performance and emission of direct
injection diesel engine.
Mallikappa et al. 2011 [31] In this research work, they made
the detailed investigation on performance and emission
characteristics of four stroke single cylinder engine with
variable loads were studied, cardnol bio fuel volumetric
blends like 0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% were used. In this
case the author used two-stage distillation method because of
certain difficulties of operation with regard to single-stage
fractional distillation method to produce cardnol from
CNSL. Cardnol produced was used as raw material to
produce Biodiesel by using transesterification process.
Author found that the brake specific energy consumption
decreases by 30 to 40% approximately with increases in load
conditions. This reverse trend was observed due to lower
calorific value with increase in bio fuel percentage in the
blends. The brake thermal efficiency increases with higher
loads. In all cases, it increased with increase in load. The
maximum thermal efficiency for B20 (31%) was higher than
that of the diesel. The NOx emissions (ppm) increases with
increased proportion of blends and also with higher EGT.
This trend mainly because of presence oxygen in bio fuel,
this leads to more oxidation at higher temperature and
responsible for more NOx emissions. The HC emissions are
nominal up to B20, and more at B25, the reason for this is
Paper ID: 0201562
the incomplete combustion. The Carbon monoxide emissions

increases with higher blends, and increases slightly more
after 20% blends. At elevated temperature, performance of
the engine improved with relatively better burning of the fuel
resulting in decreased CO. From this investigation it has
been observed that up to20% blends of cardnol bio fuels may
be used in CI engines without any modifications.
D.N.Mallikappa et al.2012 [32] This work composed with
performance and emission studies of three stationary diesel
engines operated with 20% cardanol bio fuel volumetric
blends. Various tests were conducted on a single cylinder
diesel engine and VCR engines in order to evaluate the
performance and emission characteristics of cardanol bio
fuel (CNSL Bio fuel). An extended experimental study was
conducted on a double cylinder CI engine to evaluate the
performance and emission characteristics. The cardanol bio
fuel volumetric blends between 0-25% and base fuel (Petro
diesel) were tested at various loads between 0-full load. Here
the author used two-stage distillation method to produce
cardnol. And then biodiesel produced by transesterification
process by using cardnol as raw material. but it was found
that the properties like density, viscosity, flash and fire
points of cardanol bio fuel volumetric blends under test are
higher, and calorific values are lower and are in the range of
94-96% that of diesel. The brake thermal efficiency obtained
for single cylinder and VCR at 20% cardanol bio fuel
volumetric blends is less than that of twin cylinder diesel
engine. The reason for higher brake power in the case of
twin cylinder engine could be higher brake mean effective
pressure. The BSEC obtained for VCR engine at 18:1
Compression ratio is 25% more compared to twin cylinder
engine at no load conditions, and 8-10% higher BSEC in
twin cylinder engine compared to other two engines at full
load conditions. It is observed that slight variations of NOx
emissions occur in all engines at 0% load and 100% load
conditions, the reason for these variations could be
malfunctioning of bio fuel mixture. From the results it is
observed that lower (30-50%) hydrocarbon emissions occur
in the case of VCR engine at 18:1 CR compared to single
cylinder and twin cylinder engines. The carbon monoxide
emissions at different load conditions in different engines are
not uniform. From this work it is proved that, up to 20%
Cardnol Bio Fuel (CBF) volumetric blends can be used in
the diesel engines without any major hardware
modifications.
T. Pushparaj et al. 2012 [23] used Ethanol as additive to
CNSL bio diesel to check the possibility of using higher
percentage of biodiesel in an unmodified diesel engine.
Biodiesel was made by pyrolysis process. CNSL was
selected for biodiesel production. Diesel fuel containing 20%
biodiesel and 80% diesel fuel, author called it as B20. The
effects of ethanol, blended with B20 in 5, 10, 15 % by
volume were used in a single cylinder, four strokes direct
injection diesel engine. The effect of test fuels on engine
torque, power, brake specific fuel consumption, brake
thermal efficiency, exhaust gas temperature, were
ascertained by performance tests. The influence of blends on
CO, CO2, HC, NO and smoke opacity were investigated by
emission tests. Because of addition of ethanol some fuel
properties of B20 such as cetane number, Calorific value,

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sulphur content, flash point, density and the viscosity are
improved better than those of diesel fuel. Exhaust gas
emission for 10% ethanol blend reduces CO2 emission by
27%, HC emission by 8% and NO emission by 57% at full
load than that of B20. That means, low NO and CO2
emissions were measured with the 10% ethanol as additive
in B20 blend. Author concluded that, 20% CNSL biodiesel
and 10% ethanol as additive can effectively be used in diesel
engines without any modification.
A. Velmurugan et al. 2012 [33] In this study, bio fuel, diesel
and ethanol blends (BDEB) were tested in a single cylinder
direct-injection diesel engine to investigate the engine
combustion, performance and emission characteristics of the
engine under five engine loads at the speed of 1500 rpm.
Here the ethanol is used as an additive to enhance the engine
combustion. The mixture of Commercial diesel fuel, bio fuel
from CNSL and ethanol mixture is named as BDEB is used
to run the direct injection diesel engine. The different
combination of BDEB as BDEB 5 (Diesel 75%,Cnsl 20%
and Ethanol 5%) , BDEB 10 (Diesel 70%,Cnsl 20% and
Ethanol 10%) and BDEB 15(Diesel 65%,Cnsl 20% and
Ethanol 15%), were tested in the engine. The results are
compared with neat diesel fuel. Compared with diesel fuel,
the heat release rate of all BDE blends is lower than that of
diesel fuel. It decreases from 99 MJ/m3deg to 61 MJ/m3
deg. This is due to the poor pre mixed combustion of BDE
blends. The brake thermal efficiency is increased with
increase of ethanol percentage. The brake thermal efficiency
is 34.98%, 35.1%, 36.1% for the fuel BDEB 5, BBE10, and
BDEB 15 at full load, but for Diesel and B20 were 34.52%
and 29.95% respectively. The brake thermal efficiency of
BDEB was higher compared to diesel, B20 fuels. The BSFC
was increased for the BDEB 5, BDEB 10, and BDEB 15 fuel
compared to diesel fuel. Brake specific fuel consumption for
BDEB 15 was 25% higher than that of diesel fuel at full
load. The CO and HC emissions were reduced with the use
BDEB fuel with respect to neat diesel fuel for all load
condition. The exhaust gas temperature was increased for
BDEB15, at all loads compared to diesel, B20 and BDEB
fuels. The NOx emissions were increased with the use of both
B20 and BDEB fuel compared to neat diesel fuel. The NOx
emissions were found to be for B20, BDEB5, BDEB10 and
BDEB15 at full load. The percentage of increase of NOx is
3.05%, 5.05%, 7.07% and 12.12% for full load compare to
diesel. Author finally concludes that On the whole the blends
diesel, CNSL oil and ethanol fuel can be used as alternative
fuels in conventional diesel engines without any major
change in the engine. Besides, the exhaust emissions for
BDEB5, BDEB10 and BDEB15 were fairly reduced.
S. Radhakrrishnan et al. 2014 [34] In this research work,
they made the detailed investigation on performance and
emission characteristics of four stroke single cylinder engine
run by CNSL as a fuel in order to check whether CNSL
diesel blends can be used as alternative fuel or not. A single
cylinder, four-stroke direct injection compression ignition
engine with a compression ratio of 17.5: 1 was used for
conducting the experiment. The experiments were done at
different static injection timing 18, 19, 21, 23, 26, and
28 bTDC at the rated injector opening pressure 200 kg/cm2.
And the author found that the brake thermal efficiency is
Paper ID: 0201562
increasing when the injection timing is advance from 18 to

19 bTDC. The variation of smoke density also decrease
with the advancing the injection timing and for CNSL oil
blends it is noticed to be generally higher than that of the
diesel oil. HC emission is lowest with the best injection
timing namely 19bTDC, this is due to more amount fuel
taking part in the premixed phase of combustion as that
injection timing advance due to an increase in ignition delay
period. But, NOx emission level increase as the advance that
injection timing 19 bTDC expect due to increase cylinder
gas temperature. Blends of CNSL oil shows lower NOx
emission compared to neat diesel fuel. The thermal
efficiency of all blends of CNSL oil is found to be lower
than that of neat diesel. This is due to poor mixture
formation as a result of low volatility, higher viscosity and
higher density of CNSL oil. And also The thermal efficiency
of B20 blends gives the higher efficiency compared to other
blends namely B40, B60, B80 this is because of more blends
gives the high viscosity of fuel and poor atomization and
hence poor combustion. The specific fuel consumption of
CNSL oil is noted to be higher than that of diesel for all
loads. This is caused due to the effect of higher viscosity and
poor mixture formation of CNSL oil. The unburned
hydrocarbon emission of blends of CNSL oil is more
compared to that for neat diesel for all loads. The carbon
monoxide emission is higher than that of diesel blends. The
exhaust temperature of CNS oil is decreased because of poor
combustion takes place compare to neat diesel. Author
Based on the experimental investigations carried out on the
single cylinder diesel engine concludes that with diesel
CNSL oil blends can be used as alternative fuels in diesel
engine and with further experiments of adding additives
emissions can be reduced.
3. Experimental Set-Up Description
Figure 3: Experimental Setup [33]

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4. Result
Many researchers worked on the CNSL oil and they found
some result as shown in following graph [32]. When the
pyrolysis method was used for producing Biodiesel, the
Brake thermal efficiency found to be lower and specific fuel
consumption more than that with diesel. Unburned
hydrocarbon, Carbon monoxide and smoke density
increases, but because of low exhaust temperature NOx
emission decreases with blends of CNSL-Diesel as
compared to neat diesel. Investigators based on this result
concluded that, the additives and oxygenates can be used
with CNSLDiesel fuel to improve the performance and
emission of direct injection diesel engine [30]. Some
investigators used 2-stage distillation method to produce
cardnol from CNSL oil and then Biodiesel produced by
Transesterification method. And it was found that brake
specific energy consumption decreases where as brake
thermal efficiency noted to be 31%. And for B20 (20% bio
fuel & 80% diesel) blend HC, CO & NOx emission are less
compared to higher blends [31]- [32]. But, when 2-stage
distillation method used to produce cardnol from CNSL oil
and then Biodiesel produced by Transesterification method
with Ethanol used as additive to CNSL bio fuel the result
was totally different from previous results. For B20 blend
and 10% ethanol CO2 reduced by 27%, HC reduced by 8%
and NOx reduced by 57% at full load than that of B20 blend
alone [23]. Whereas brake thermal efficiency for 10%
ethanol and B20 blend found to be 35.1% which is more
than diesel (34.52%) and B20 (29.95%) with Improved
performance of Engine [33].
Figure 5: Comparison of specific fuel Consumption [33]
Figure 6: Comparison of HC emissions [33]
Figure 4: Comparison of Brake thermal efficiency [33]

Figure 7: Comparison of CO emissions [33]
Paper ID: 0201562

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6. Future scope
Biodiesel derived from CNSL oil is reported to be feasible
choices for developing countries including India where
consumption of fuel is very high. CNSL oil is relatively an
inexpensive and available raw material for biodiesel
production as India is one of the largest producers of cashew
nut in the world. The following points may be considered
before introducing the fuel in India:
Figure 8: Comparison of exhaust gas temperature [33]
Figure 9: Comparison of oxides of nitrogen [33]
5. Conclusion
Combustion of petroleum based fuels in internal combustion
engines results in Environmental pollution, global warming,
and also effects human health. Whereas on combustion of
biodiesel produced from various edible / Non-edible oils
produce very less amount of HC, CO and oxides of NO
compared to Hydro carbons and this will mitigate the above
mentioned issues. But for using Biodiesel in pure form
engine modification required. But, if we are using blends of
diesel and biodiesel as fuel in engine modifications not
required. Depending on the properties, engine running
conditions like speed and load etc. performance of engine
varies. Keeping that in mind we should select correct blend
of biodiesel and diesel. Brazil is using Ethanol as fuel for
most of the vehicles. In USA gasoline-Ethanol blend used as
fuel in petrol engine vehicles. But, in India because of
market monopoly still dependent on Petrol and diesel fuels
for vehicles. If we use Biodiesel which are produce locally,
decreases the nations dependence upon foreign energy and
Fuel crisis like problems will not occurs. In this paper we
study the properties of CNSL oil, transesterification process,
properties and result of CNSL Biodiesel as an alternative
fuel for CI engine. Based on this study on CNSL biodiesel,
we can conclude that the CNSL oil can be used as an
alternative fuel for diesel engine.
Paper ID: 0201562
The study of long term stability of blends should be done.

Further research required to check whether CNSL fuel or
blends will affect properties of engine material & parts
like cylinders, valves, piston, crank etc.
The optimization of CNSL oil based on the effect of
parameters like. Molar ratio, catalyst concentration,
reaction time, reaction temperature, different catalyst,
stirring rate should also be studied.
The performance and emission parameters of CNSL
biodiesel in various diesel engines were evaluated on load,
compression ratio, injection timing, injection pressure &
speed basis. The effect of other parameters like preheating
of Biodiesel & ignition delay on the performance of
engine may be studied.
CNSL biodiesel and its blends have strong beneficial
effect on HC, CO and Smoke density but adverse effect on
NOx formation. NOx emissions were found to be increased
with CNSL oil in comparison to diesel fuel therefore use
of NOx reduction techniques such as EGR (exhaust gas
recirculation) is recommended. Further research is needed
to reduce the NOx emissions like water injection methods.
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Author Profile
Raghavendra Prasada S.A received the B.E. degree
in Mechanical Engineering from Shree Devi Institute
of Technology, Mangalore in 2012. He is now M.
Tech. (Thermal Engineering) final year Student in
Alvas Institute of Engineering and Technology, Moodbidri,
Karnataka, India.
Paper ID: 0201562

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A Review On CNSL Biodiesel

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