ANALYSIS OF PERFORMANCE AND EMISSION

CHARACTERISTICS OF CI ENGINE USING SIMAROUBA AND

FISH OIL AS A BIODIESEL

1. ABSTRACT
In a modern day world, alternative source of energy are given importance due to gradual
depletion of fossil fuels reserves non-vegetable oils can be used as an alternative to diesel
in CI engines. The use of non-vegetable oils in CI engine results in low CO and HC
emissions compared to conventional diesel fuel. The present study covers the various
aspects of biodiesel fuel derived from the mixing of Simarouba oil and fish oil, which is
converted as biofuel by transesterification process, then in different ratios the two oils are
mixed, this biodiesel is used as an alternative fuel in a single cylinder CI engine to study
the performance and emission characteristics of the engine.

2. INTRODUCTION
Biodiesel is better for the environment because it is made from renewable resources and
has lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel. It is less toxic than table salt and
biodegrades as fast as sugar. Since it is made from renewable resources such as soybeans
its use decreases our dependence on foreign oil and contributes to our own economy.

2.1 Need for biodiesel

● Many alternative biodiesel fuels have been shown to have better exhaust emissions
than traditional diesel fuel. Biodiesel holds promise as fuel alternatives for diesel
engine.

● Reduction of the usage of primary fuels.

● Biodiesel is produced with an agricultural orientation.

● Numerous researches have shown that biodiesel has fuel properties and provides
engine performance that is very similar to diesel fuel.

● Biodiesel is nontoxic, bio degradable and renewable fuel.

● The severe emission regulations in the world have placed design limitations on
heavy duty diesel engines. The trend towards cleaner burning fuel is growing
worldwide and it is possible through biodiesel.

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 ● Biodiesel includes a high cetane number, low sulphur, low volatility and the
presence of oxygen atoms in the fuel molecule.

● Expected efficiency is achieved through biodiesel.

● Biodiesel performs better than the petroleum diesel.

● Biodiesel readily mixes with diesel fuel and it runs in any diesel engine without
modification.

● Reduces serious air pollutants such as particulate, carbon monoxides, hydrocarbons

and air toxic.

● Biodiesel dramatically reduces potential risks of cancer and birth defects.

2.2 Advantages, Disadvantages and application of Biodiesel

2.2.1 Advantages

● Biodiesel fuel is a renewable energy source unlike petroleum based diesel.

● One of the main biodiesel fuel advantages is that it is less polluting than petroleum
diesel.

● The lack of sulphur in 100 % biodiesel extends the life of catalytic converters.

● It can also be blended with other energy resources and oil.

● Biodiesel fuel can also be used in existing oil heating systems and diesel engines
without making any alterations.

● It can also be distributed through existing diesel fuel pumps, which is another
biodiesel fuel advantage over other alternative fuels.

● The lubricating property of the biodiesel may lengthen the lifetime of engines.

● Low toxicity, in comparison with diesel fuel.

● Degrades more rapidly than diesel fuel, minimizing the environmental

consequences of bio fuel spills.

2.2.2 Disadvantages

There are certain disadvantages of using biodiesel as a replacement for diesel fuel that
must be taken into consideration

● At present, Biodiesel is about one and a half times more expensive than petroleum
diesel.
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● Biodiesel distribution infrastructure needs improvement, which is another of the
biodiesel disadvantages.

● Slightly higher fuel consumption due to the lower calorific value of biodiesel.

● Slightly higher nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions than diesel.

● Higher freezing point than diesel. This may be inconvenient in cold climates.

It is less stable than diesel and therefore long term storage (more than six months) of
biodiesel is not recommended.

2.2.3 Applications

Bio diesel can be used in pure form (B100) or may be blended with petroleum diesel at
any concentration in most injection pump in diesel engines. New extreme high pressure
common rail engines have strict factory limits of B5 or B20, depending on manufacturer.
Bio diesel has different solvent properties than petrol diesel and will degrade natural
rubber gaskets and hoses in vehicles, although these tend to wear out and can be used as a
good alternative fuel in automobiles.