Bamboo as Alternative Bio-Fuel

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

It is undeniable that the world struggle in the dreadful price increase of fuel. Efforts have been developed to find alternative renewable energy sources, due to fossil energy availability is diminishing. In addition, one of renewable energy source is from biomass. The aim of this research is to determine the characteristics of the Ampel bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) as an energy potential of biofuel.

METHODS

Homemade water distillation method was used to extract the oil coming from the collected bamboo shoot and leaves. The extracted oil was undergone a flashpoint test to measure the minimum temperature at which the fuel will ignite in the presence of a flame. This test was done in DOST Taguig City. The method used to determine the flashpoint was through ASTMD. The researcher also conducted two treatments for the comparison between the alternative oil out of bamboo fuel and commercial oil (kerosene) in terms of quality and efficiency, using 50 ml of pure commercial oil (kerosene) and 50 ml of alternative oil out of bamboo.

RESULTS

The flashpoint test conducted in the DOST_ITDI revealed that the 102 Celcius proved that the extracted bamboo was incombustible property and can ignite at a certain temperature. In the qualitative view of comparison between the extracted bamboo oil and commercial kerosene, the conducted survey pointed out that bamboo oil exhibited an extent of acceptability compared to the commercial one in terms of the color of the flame, odor, flammability, duration of burning, and amount of soot present. Based on the survey and study conducted, it was proven that Bamboo Bio-fuel could be an alternative lighting source. It was environment-friendly and locally available. It can be light and flame enhancer. It releases an aromatic odor that cannot harm our health.

DISCUSSIONS

Compared to the commercial one, alternative fuel out of the bamboo shoot is more affordable and a bit constant in cost. Another advantage is environment-friendly in such a way that it helps in treating the locally available plants and contributes to preventing total ozone depleting and global warming since it emitsfewer hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. The government should be encouraged to support the use of plants as hydrocarbon as alternative products. The outcome of the study showed that bamboo was proven to have a potency to be produced as an alternative fuelthat can perform at its best.