BLENDING OF ETHANOL PRODUCED FROM CASSAVA WASTE WATER WITH GASOLINE AS SOURCE OF AUTOMOBILE FUEL

This research investigated the suitability of blending ethanol produced from cassava waste water with gasoline as a source of automobile fuel. The ethanol was produced using fermentation and distillation processes and prepared for blending by making it conform to the American Standard of Testing and Material (A.S.T.M). 0.998kg equivalent to 1.155 litre ethanol of specific gravity 0.8638 was produced from cassava waste water amounting to a yield of 19.96%. Varying blend ratios (7%, 10%, 20% and 30%) of the prepared ethanol was blended with gasoline sample to determine the parameters that define engine operability (fuel quality - volatility) and engine performance/power (octane rating). The blending of varying volumetric ratios of ethanol generally increased the volatility of the base fuel. The results show that 7% ethanol blend increased the Reid vapour pressure (R.V.P) to 8 psi, reduced T50 to 57oC and driveability index (D.I) was reduced to 933.8. 10% ethanol blend increased the R.V.P to 8.6 psi, reduced T50 to 67oC and D.I was reduced to 970.7. Corresponding values for 20% and 30% were 8.8 psi, 68oC, 979.7 and 9 psi, 72oC, 926.6 respectively. A linear increase in research octane number (R.O.N) with a slope of 0.3 was observed.