Evaluation of Performance of Crankcase Oil in a Biodiesel Engine - A Case Study

Abstract

Study on usage of biodiesel, its impact on lubrication oil and its drain period, engine components are still under investigation. This experimental study investigates the effect of B20 FME (Fish oil methyl ester) on lubricating oil performance & engine emissions. Performance, Emissions and long-term wear tests were carried out on a computerized four stroke single cylinder diesel engine for both Diesel fuel & B20 FME, with SAE 20W40 oil used as Engine oil in a laboratory. Modern analytical techniques like a) Fuel dilution by Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry (FTIR) b) Wear metal analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma spectroscopy test (ICP) c) CHNS analyzer and other oil testing instruments were used to study the various tribological parameters of engine oil d) study on engine component by engine strip - down analysis before and after trials are done. The experimental results indicate that the engine can be safely operated with B20 FME, without significant changes in lubrication oil performance with respect to viscosity, Total Base Number (BN), Total Acid Number (AN) & soot content. It is observed that the B20 FME reduce the soot content in diesel engine, better cleanliness, less abrasive in component wear & hence extended engine oil drain period.

Keywords

• bio diesel
• engine oil
• fish oil
• viscosity
• bn
• an
• soot
• ftir