Use of Schleichera Oleosa biodiesel blends with conventional diesel in a compression ignition engine – A feasibility assessment

Abstract Unconditional extraction of fossil fuels on one side and exponential demand with minimum emissions makes the researchers think for alternative fuels. Schleichera Oleosa is one such alternative fuel whose physicochemical properties are at par with conventional diesel and also having more than 40% saturated free fatty acids recommended to make use of its biodiesel blends 10% (SO BD10), 20% (SO BD20) and 30% (SO BD30) with conventional diesel. Moreover, tested these blends in a single cylinder, 4 stoke, 7.35 kW, 1000 rpm constant speed, water cooled, natural aspirated, vertical lister, oil engine for its feasibility. Performance parameters like brake thermal efficiency and brake specific energy consumption and emissions like NOx, Smoke, CO and HC were examined. SO BD30 shown better performance at par with diesel operation when compared to all other blended environments. Performance parameters like: brake thermal efficiency of 28.90%, brake specific energy consumption of 12.45 MJ/kW-hr were recorded, which are near by the conventional diesel operation. With respect to emissions, oxides of Nitrogen of 462 ppm, Smoke with 32 HSU, Carbon Monoxide with 0.32% by volume and unburned Hydrocarbon of 8 ppm were measured. Oxides of Nitrogen was reduced when comparing to conventional diesel operation. Smoke was remain same, whereas carbon monoxide and unburned Hydrocarbons were slightly higher than the conventional petro-diesel operation.