Investigation on the Effects of Antioxidant Additive in A DI-Diesel Engine Fuelled with Calophyllum Inophyllum Methyl Ester Diesel Blend

With the rising concern over greenhouse gases, there is escalating emphasis on reducing HC, CO, NOx and SOx emissions. The emission in internal combustion engines is a serious threat to the environment and due to depletion of fossil fuels, researchers are looking for the substitute or alternative fuel. In this investigation, Calophyllum Inophyllum biodiesel was prepared by two step transesterification process. The effect of antioxidant additive on the performance and emission characteristics of direct injection diesel engine were analysed and compared with the results of base fuel. The diesel engine was powered with Calophyllum Inophyllum biodiesel-diesel blend. Along with it, tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) antioxidant additive was added as per ASTM standards. The performance and emission characteristics were determined for the above biodiesel blend and additive added biodiesel blend. The exhaust gas components such as HC, CO and NOx were measured. The addition of antioxidant increased BTE and reduced BSFC. The addition of antioxidant reduced NOX emission, but increased CO and HC compared to CIB20. However, the level was below the emission standards.