Sunflower oil as a fuel for compression ignition engines
Sunflower oil has emerged among the vegetable oils as potential fuel alternatives. The Province of Manitoba is the major producer of sunflower oil in Canada. This study was initiated to investigate the fuel-related physical properties and performance characteristics in compression ignition engines. The results for sunflower oil were summarized and compared with No. 2 diesel fuel. The most detrimental parameter in the use of sunflower oil is its higher viscosity which is about 14 times higher than diesel fuel at 37.78/sup 0/C. The problem of higher viscosity can be solved by transesterification of sunflower oil to its methyl ester. The cetane number of sunflower oil is a little less than the minimum value of 40 for No. 2 diesel fuel. Specific fuel consumption was higher due to its lower energy value whereas thermal efficiency was satisfactory when compared with No. 2 diesel fuel. Oxidation of sunflower oil left heavy gum and wax deposits on the stationary engine parts and the test bench equipment. Lower levels of corrosion can be expected on metal parts due to the lower sulfur content in the sunflower oil. Fire hazards associated with fuel handling will be reduced because of the higher flash point of sunflower oil. 5 figures, 4 tables. (DP)
- OSTI ID:
- 6105090
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-820860-
- Journal Information:
- ASAE Publ.; (United States), Conference: International conference on plant and vegetable oils as fuels, Fargo, ND, USA, 2 Aug 1982
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Methyl and ethyl soybean esters as renewable fuels for diesel engines
An overview of the current status of biodiesel
Related Subjects
09 BIOMASS FUELS
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
SPARK IGNITION ENGINES
FUEL SUBSTITUTION
VEGETABLE OILS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
VISCOSITY
ANTIKNOCK RATINGS
CORROSION
DIESEL FUELS
FIRE HAZARDS
PERFORMANCE
SUNFLOWERS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
ENGINES
HAZARDS
HEAT ENGINES
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
OILS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PLANTS
090110* - Hydrocarbon Fuels- Properties- (1979-1989)
140504 - Solar Energy Conversion- Biomass Production & Conversion- (-1989)
330800 - Emission Control- Alternative Fuels