Characterization of Mahua Methyl Ester in DI Diesel Engine

Abstract

In this work mahua seeds were used to produce vegetable oil because of ease availability and low cost. By using catalytic transesterification vegetable oil extracted from mahua was converted into methyl ester. After that, the chemical and thermal properties of methyl ester was analysed as per ASTM standards. The mahua methyl ester and blends with diesel were analysed to find the performance, emission and combustion characteristics at standard injection pressure of 220bar in stationary Kirloskar AV1 engine. The emission characters like HC, CO and NOx were analysed using AVL di gas analyser. The smoke was measured using AVL make Hatridge smoke meter. Combustion characteristics were analysed through AVL combustion analyser. From the results B25 methyl ester have the nearly similar performance, emission and combustion characteristics with diesel fuel.