EFFECTS OF RICE BRAN METHYL ESTERS PROPORTION ON COMBUSTION AND EMISSION CHARACTERISTICS OF A DIRECT-INJECTION DIESEL ENGINE

In the present investigation, rice bran methyl ester is prepared by transesterification of rice bran oil in the presence of sodium hydroxide as catalyst and methanol as co-reactant. Process development studies of rice bran methyl ester have been carried out to study the effectiveness of rice bran ester. Various physical properties have also been evaluated, to check whether the ester meets the ASTM standards, to be used as a fuel. Finally, the engine performance tests were carried out on a four-stroke, 5HP diesel engine.