Empirical research by rickshaw driver has given coconut oil an official seal of approval as a potential engine lubricant.
Copra, the part of a coconut used to make oil Image: KK Mustafah/The Hindu |
The practical 'research' was undertaken by motorised rickshaw driver, G Rajeevan, based in the town of Cherupazha in the state of Kerala.
Apparently, Mr Rajeevan has been using coconut oil to lubricate his rickshaw's engine for the past 13 years and had written to a regional college for Agriculture and Technology and State officials with evidence that the engine had performed faultlessly.
In turn, the College and local government investigated Mr Rajeevan's claims and eventually wrote to him giving him an offical seal of approval and stating that “there are no adverse effect on the engine parts or in the performance of the petrol engine”. Whilst not exactly an API rating, the region is hoping that this could be the start of wider support from the auto industry which is currently searching for as many potential bio-lube options as possible.
The revelations could also help spark a more serious development programme to rival those already being conducted by the oil majors into the use of plant-based lubricants. Apparently, the lubricant Mr Rajeevan has developed uses copra, the white edible flesh of the coconut and, if proved to have equal or greater benefits than its bio rivals, could also provide a welcome boost to India's coconut growers who are currently suffering from a crash in the price of raw coconut.