Evaluation of Emitted Particulate Matters Emissions in Multi-cylinder Diesel Engine Fuelled with Biodiesel

Abstract

As an alternative fuel, biodiesel is receiving rising attention for diesel engines. The corn oil biodiesel was prepared from Iraqi produced corn oil through transesterification process, using methanol and sodium hydroxide in the present investigation. Neat corn oil biodiesel, as well as, the blends of varying proportions of it and diesel was used to run a 4-cylinders direct injection CI engine. The effects of some engine variables like load, speed, and injection timing on emitted particulate matters (PM) were studied. The aim was to evaluate the emitted particulate matters from a diesel engine when it fuelled with blends diesel and biodiesel. As the Iraqi conventional diesel has high sulfur content that release high rates of PM, it was taking as the baseline fuel in the tests. The results showed a significant reduction in PM when biodiesel was used. The maximum reductions in PM concentrations observed were 34.96 % in the case of biodiesel operation compared to diesel at full engine loads and constant speed. An increment in the PM concentrations as the timing retarded from the optimum injection timing. Biodiesel has a significant impact on smoke at idle mode with reductions of 8.6%, 18%, and 39.75% for B20, B50, and B100 respectively compared to diesel. The study concludes the possibility of more reduction of PM concentrations in the case of reducing sulfur content in Iraqi diesel fuel significantly.