Emission Characteristics of DI CI Engine Fuelled With High FFA CRBO Blend

In this investigation high FFA CRBO a renewable non-edible vegetable oil was tested to find its suitability as a CI engine fuel in its blended form. A dilute blend was prepared by mixing it with petroleum diesel in volume basis [20% CRBO + 80% No.2 petroleum diesel]. The main objective of this investigation is to study the performance and emission characteristics of this high FFA CRBO blend by employing it as a fuel for diesel engine. Tests were conducted on a naturally aspirated DI stationary diesel engine coupled to a swinging field dynamometer. Emissions were measured by using MRU Delta 1600 L gas analyzer. Variations in the emission of UBHC, CO, NOX and smoke density were found for different loads and compared with diesel. It was observed that when operating with CRBO blend, engine emissions levels are reduced significantly than that of diesel. When compared with diesel fuel, NO_x emission, UBHC emission and smoke density for CRBO blend were lower with slight increase in CO emissions. It was also observed that the variations in brake thermal efficiency between CRBO blend and diesel were minimum at all operating conditions. From the experimental results it can be concluded that as a dilute blend higher FFA CRBO has an ability to replace petroleum diesel partially as the engine emissions were reduced significantly with minor loss in power.