Pool fires of jatropha biodiesel and their blends with petroleum diesel

Abstract

Combustion characteristics of pool fire of jatropha biodiesel (jatropha methyl ester – JME) and their blend with diesel were studied. Experiments were conducted in a compartment of size 4 m (L) × 4 m (W) × 4 m (H). Natural ventilation is applied by means of a door opening of size 1 m (W) × 2 m (H). Fuel was burned in pan size of 0.6 m and placed at the center of floor, initial fuel depth and lip height were 0.04 m and 0.08 m respectively. Blends of jatropha biodiesel with petroleum diesel were tested for biodiesel concentration of 20, 50 and 80% by volume. Various parameters including burning rate, heat release rate, exhaust emission (CO), flame centerline temperature etc. are measured. Radiative fraction is calculated from the measured heat flux data. Results show that with an increase in biodiesel concentration, combustion efficiency decreases. Plume centerline temperature is highest for B100 – JME pool fire, and the lowest for diesel pool fire. Also, the radiative fraction of fuels are comparable having lowest radiative fraction for jatropha biodiesel.