Surface tensions of petro-diesel, canola, jatropha and soapnut biodiesel fuels at elevated temperatures and pressures

This study presents the experimental results of surface tension measurements of diesel as well as canola, jatropha and soapnut biodiesel fuels. A high pressure pendant drop equipment (PD-E 1700) and drop shape analysis (DSA 100 V1.9) were used to measure the equilibrium surface tension of diesel and biodiesel fuels at elevated temperatures and pressures. Surface tension tests were carried out in a nitrogen environment. The surface tension of diesel and biodiesel fuels showed a linear relationship with temperatures and pressures. A regression model was also developed using the measured data from the tests for each fuel.