Effect of pure biodiesel on fuel injection systems and noise level in agricultural diesel engines

Abstract

Petroleum fuels have caused environmental problems that affect the whole atmosphere and some estimate the depletion of petroleum in 50-100 years. Mankind has turned their attention toward alternative, renewable energy sources to meet energy requirements. Biodiesel (refined) of canola and a new FIAT 60-56 tractor engine were principal items of this research. Experiments included a total of 100 hours while the engine speed was fixed at 1,500 rpm. The effects of biodiesel were observed on fuel injection pump, injectors, filters and fuel tank at the end of 100 hours engine run. Neat biodiesel has caused residuals to clog fuel filters, decay of rubber lines and dark zone, sticking on parts of injection system, injector choking, filter plugging, and severe engine lubricant degradation. Therefore, neat biodiesel (B100) can not be used in current diesel engines in the market. Noise level with the biodiesel was lower than the noise level of the diesel and a better exhaust smell was noticed with biodie-sel fuels than diesel fuel.