Production of Biodiesel from Eucalyptus Tereticornis and its Effect on Combustion, Performance and Emission Characteristics of CI Engines

In the present investigation, bio-oil from Eucalyptus teriticornisis is extracted through steam distillation process. The effect of esterified bio-oil is analysed in a single cylinder compression ignition engine. For this purpose, Eucalyptus biodiesel is prepared by transesterification process with methanol and NaOH as catalyst under variable parameters. The performance, combustion and emission features of a four stroke diesel engine were investigated using methyl ester of eucalyptus biodiesel (EBD100) and its blend with 50% diesel (D50-EBD50). The test outcome reveals that there is marginal increase in brake thermal efficiency and slight drop in brake specific fuel consumption for biodiesel fuel when compared to that of mineral diesel fuel. The use of this biodiesel resulted in decreased emission of Hydrocarbons and Carbon monoxide and higher emission of Nitrogen oxide and Carbon dioxide at part loads. EBD100 exhibits similar heat release rate and lower in-cylinder pressure compared to that of the diesel fuel at same loads.