Skip to main content

Effect of small proportion of butanol additive on the performance, emission, and combustion of Australian native first- and second-generation biodiesel in a diesel engine

Environmental Science and Pollution Research volume 24, pages 22402–22413 (2017)Cite this article

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the effect of the addition of 5% alcohol (butanol) with biodiesel-diesel blends on the performance, emissions, and combustion of a naturally aspirated four stroke multi-cylinder diesel engine at different engine speeds (1200 to 2400 rpm) under full load conditions. Three types of local Australian biodiesel, namely macadamia biodiesel (MB), rice bran biodiesel (RB), and waste cooking oil biodiesel (WCB), were used for this study, and the data was compared with results for conventional diesel fuel (B0). Performance results showed that the addition of butanol with diesel-biodiesel blends slightly lowers the engine efficiency. The emission study revealed that the addition of butanol additive with diesel-biodiesel blends lowers the exhaust gas temperature (EGT), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) emissions whereas it increases hydrocarbon (HC) emissions compared to B0. The combustion results indicated that in-cylinder pressure (CP) for additive added fuel is higher (0.45–1.49%), while heat release rate (HRR) was lower (2.60–9.10%) than for B0. Also, additive added fuel lowers the ignition delay (ID) by 23–30% than for B0. Finally, it can be recommended that the addition of 5% butanol with Australian biodiesel-diesel blends can significantly lower the NOx and PM emissions.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

USD 39.95

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13

References

  • Altaie MAH, Janius RB, Rashid U, Taufiq-Yap YH, Yunus R, Zakaria R, Adam NM (2015) Performance and exhaust emission characteristics of direct-injection diesel engine fueled with enriched biodiesel. Energy Convers Manag 106:365–372

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Altin R, Çetinkaya S, Yücesu HS (2001) The potential of using vegetable oil fuels as fuel for diesel engines. Energy Convers Manag 42:529–538

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • An H, Yang WM, Li J (2015) Numerical modeling on a diesel engine fueled by biodiesel–methanol blends. Energy Convers Manag 93:100–108

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Atabani AE, Silitonga AS, Ong HC, Mahlia TMI, Masjuki HH, Badruddin IA, Fayaz H (2013) Non-edible vegetable oils: a critical evaluation of oil extraction, fatty acid compositions, biodiesel production, characteristics, engine performance and emissions production. Renew Sust Energ Rev 18:211–245

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Atmanli A (2016a) Comparative analyses of diesel–waste oil biodiesel and propanol, n-butanol or 1-pentanol blends in a diesel engine. Fuel 176:209–215

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Atmanli A (2016b) Effects of a cetane improver on fuel properties and engine characteristics of a diesel engine fueled with the blends of diesel, hazelnut oil and higher carbon alcohol. Fuel 172:209–217

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Atmanlı A, İleri E, Yüksel B (2014) Experimental investigation of engine performance and exhaust emissions of a diesel engine fueled with diesel–n-butanol–vegetable oil blends. Energy Convers Manag 81:312–321

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Atmanlı A, Yüksel B, İleri E, Deniz Karaoglan A (2015) Response surface methodology based optimization of diesel–n-butanol –cotton oil ternary blend ratios to improve engine performance and exhaust emission characteristics. Energy Convers Manag 90:383–394

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ban-Weiss GA, Chen JY, Buchholz BA, Dibble RW (2007) A numerical investigation into the anomalous slight NOx increase when burning biodiesel; a new (old) theory. Fuel Process Technol 88:659–667

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Can Ö (2014) Combustion characteristics, performance and exhaust emissions of a diesel engine fueled with a waste cooking oil biodiesel mixture. Energy Convers Manag 87:676–686

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chauhan BS, Kumar N, Cho HM (2012) A study on the performance and emission of a diesel engine fueled with Jatropha biodiesel oil and its blends. Energy 37:616–622

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cheenkachorn K, Fungtammasan B (2010) An investigation of diesel–ethanol–biodiesel blends for diesel engine: part 2 – emission and engine performance of a light-duty truck. Energy Sources, Part A: Recov, Util Environ Effects 32:894–900

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cheung CS, Zhu L, Huang Z (2009) Regulated and unregulated emissions from a diesel engine fueled with biodiesel and biodiesel blended with methanol. Atmos Environ 43:4865–4872

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dhamodaran G, Krishnan R, Pochareddy YK, Pyarelal HM, Sivasubramanian H, Ganeshram AK (2017) A comparative study of combustion, emission, and performance characteristics of rice-bran-, neem-, and cottonseed-oil biodiesels with varying degree of unsaturation. Fuel 187:296–305

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dhar A, Kevin R, Agarwal AK (2012) Production of biodiesel from high-FFA neem oil and its performance, emission and combustion characterization in a single cylinder DICI engine. Fuel Process Technol 97:118–129

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dharma S, Ong HC, Masjuki HH, Sebayang AH, Silitonga AS (2016) An overview of engine durability and compatibility using biodiesel–bioethanol–diesel blends in compression-ignition engines. Energy Convers Manag 128:66–81

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dhinesh B, Isaac JoshuaRamesh Lalvani J, Parthasarathy M, Annamalai K (2016) An assessment on performance, emission and combustion characteristics of single cylinder diesel engine powered by Cymbopogon Flexuosus biofuel. Energy Convers Manag 117:466–474

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Doğan O (2011) The influence of n-butanol/diesel fuel blends utilization on a small diesel engine performance and emissions. Fuel 90:2467–2472

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dorado MP, Ballesteros E, Arnal JM, Gómez J, López Giménez FJ (2003) Testing waste olive oil methyl Ester as a fuel in a diesel engine. Energy Fuel 17:1560–1565

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • El-Kasaby M, Nemit-allah MA (2013) Experimental investigations of ignition delay period and performance of a diesel engine operated with Jatropha oil biodiesel. Alex Eng J 52:141–149

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gumus M (2010) A comprehensive experimental investigation of combustion and heat release characteristics of a biodiesel (hazelnut kernel oil methyl ester) fueled direct injection compression ignition engine. Fuel 89:2802–2814

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gumus M, Sayin C, Canakci M (2012) The impact of fuel injection pressure on the exhaust emissions of a direct injection diesel engine fueled with biodiesel–diesel fuel blends. Fuel 95:486–494

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hallare AV, Ruiz PLS, Cariño JCED (2014) Assessment of Jatropha Curcas L. biodiesel seed cake toxicity using the zebrafish (Danio Rerio) embryo toxicity (ZFET) test. Environ Sci Pollut Res 21:6044–6056

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ibrahim A (2016) Performance and combustion characteristics of a diesel engine fuelled by butanol–biodiesel–diesel blends. Appl Therm Eng 103:651–659

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Imdadul HK, Zulkifli NWM, Masjuki HH, Kalam MA, Kamruzzaman M, Rashed MM, Rashedul HK, Alwi A (2017) Experimental assessment of non-edible candlenut biodiesel and its blend characteristics as diesel engine fuel. Environ Sci Pollut Res 24:2350–2363

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jha SK, Fernando S, Columbus E, Willcutt H (2009): A Comparative Study of Exhaust Emissions Using Diesel-Biodiesel-Ethanol Blends in New and Used Engines. Trans ASABE 52(2):375–381

  • Kline SJ, Mcclintock FA (1953) Describing uncertainties in single sample experiments. Mech Eng 75:3–9

    Google Scholar 

  • Knothe G (2010) Biodiesel derived from a model oil enriched in palmitoleic acid, macadamia nut oil. Energy Fuel 24:2098–2103

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar M, Gayen K (2011) Developments in biobutanol production: new insights. Appl Energy 88:1999–2012

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar S, Cho JH, Park J, Moon I (2013) Advances in diesel–alcohol blends and their effects on the performance and emissions of diesel engines. Renew Sust Energ Rev 22:46–72

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Labeckas G, Slavinskas S (2009) Comparative performance of direct injection diesel engine operating on ethanol, petrol and rapeseed oil blends. Energy Convers Manag 50:792–801

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lujaji F, Kristóf L, Bereczky A, Mbarawa M (2011) Experimental investigation of fuel properties, engine performance, combustion and emissions of blends containing croton oil, butanol, and diesel on a CI engine. Fuel 90:505–510

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Majhi S, Ray S (2016) A study on production of biodiesel using a novel solid oxide catalyst derived from waste. Environ Sci Pollut Res 23:9251–9259

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mofijur M, Masjuki HH, Kalam MA, Atabani AE, Shahabuddin M, Palash SM, Hazrat MA (2013) Effect of biodiesel from various feedstocks on combustion characteristics, engine durability and materials compatibility: a review. Renew Sust Energ Rev 28:441–455

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mofijur M, Masjuki HH, Kalam MA, Atabani AE, Arbab MI, Cheng SF, Gouk SW (2014a) Properties and use of Moringa Oleifera biodiesel and diesel fuel blends in a multi-cylinder diesel engine. Energy Convers Manag 82:169–176

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mofijur M, Masjuki HH, Kalam MA, Atabani AE, Fattah IMR, Mobarak HM (2014b) Comparative evaluation of performance and emission characteristics of Moringa Oleifera and palm oil based biodiesel in a diesel engine. Ind Crop Prod 53:78–84

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mofijur M, Rasul MG, Hyde J, Azad AK, Mamat R, Bhuiya MMK (2016) Role of biofuel and their binary (diesel–biodiesel) and ternary (ethanol–biodiesel–diesel) blends on internal combustion engines emission reduction. Renew Sust Energ Rev 53:265–278

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Muralidharan K, Vasudevan D (2011) Performance, emission and combustion characteristics of a variable compression ratio engine using methyl esters of waste cooking oil and diesel blends. Appl Energy 88:3959–3968

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nantha Gopal K, Pal A, Sharma S, Samanchi C, Sathyanarayanan K, Elango T (2014) Investigation of emissions and combustion characteristics of a CI engine fueled with waste cooking oil methyl ester and diesel blends. Alex Eng J 53:281–287

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ozsezen AN, Canakci M, Turkcan A, Sayin C (2009) Performance and combustion characteristics of a DI diesel engine fueled with waste palm oil and canola oil methyl esters. Fuel 88:629–636

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Popovicheva OB, Kireeva ED, Shonija NK, Vojtisek-Lom M, Schwarz J (2015) FTIR analysis of surface functionalities on particulate matter produced by off-road diesel engines operating on diesel and biofuel. Environ Sci Pollut Res 22:4534–4544

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Qi DH, Chen H, Geng LM, Bian YZ (2010a) Experimental studies on the combustion characteristics and performance of a direct injection engine fueled with biodiesel/diesel blends. Energy Convers Manag 51:2985–2992

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Qi DH, Chen H, Geng LM, Bian YZ, Ren XC (2010b) Performance and combustion characteristics of biodiesel–diesel–methanol blend fuelled engine. Appl Energy 87:1679–1686

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Qi DH, Bae C, Feng YM, Jia CC, Bian YZ (2013) Combustion and emission characteristics of a direct injection compression ignition engine using rapeseed oil based micro-emulsions. Fuel 107:570–577

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rahman M, Rasul M, Hassan N, Hyde J (2016) Prospects of biodiesel production from macadamia oil as an alternative fuel for diesel engines. Energies 9:403

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rakopoulos CD, Dimaratos AM, Giakoumis EG, Rakopoulos DC (2011) Study of turbocharged diesel engine operation, pollutant emissions and combustion noise radiation during starting with bio-diesel or n-butanol diesel fuel blends. Appl Energy 88:3905–3916

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rakopoulos DC, Rakopoulos CD, Giakoumis EG, Dimaratos AM, Kyritsis DC (2010) Effects of butanol–diesel fuel blends on the performance and emissions of a high-speed DI diesel engine. Energy Convers Manag 51:1989–1997

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ramesha DK, Kumara GP, Lalsaheb MAVT, Mohammad HA, Kasma MA (2016) An experimental study on usage of plastic oil and B20 algae biodiesel blend as substitute fuel to diesel engine. Environ Sci Pollut Res 23:9432–9439

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rao PV (2011) Experimental investigations on the influence of properties of Jatropha biodiesel on performance, combustion, and emission characteristics of a DI-CI engine. World Acad Sci Eng Technol 75:855–868

    Google Scholar 

  • Ravikumar J, Saravanan S (2016) Performance and emission analysis on blends of diesel, restaurant yellow grease and n-pentanol in direct-injection diesel engine. Environ Sci Pollut Res:1–10

  • Sahoo PK, Das LM (2009) Combustion analysis of Jatropha, Karanja and Polanga based biodiesel as fuel in a diesel engine. Fuel 88:994–999

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shahabuddin M, Liaquat AM, Masjuki HH, Kalam MA, Mofijur M (2013) Ignition delay, combustion and emission characteristics of diesel engine fueled with biodiesel. Renew Sust Energ Rev 21:623–632

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shahir SA, Masjuki HH, Kalam MA, Imran A, Fattah IMR, Sanjid A (2014) Feasibility of diesel–biodiesel–ethanol/bioethanol blend as existing CI engine fuel: an assessment of properties, material compatibility, safety and combustion. Renew Sust Energ Rev 32:379–395

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sharon H, Jai Shiva Ram P, Jenis Fernando K, Murali S, Muthusamy R (2013) Fueling a stationary direct injection diesel engine with diesel-used palm oil–butanol blends – an experimental study. Energy Convers Manag 73:95–105

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shi X, Pang X, Mu Y, He H, Shuai S, Wang J, Chen H, Li R (2006) Emission reduction potential of using ethanol–biodiesel–diesel fuel blend on a heavy-duty diesel engine. Atmos Environ 40:2567–2574

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Silitonga AS, Masjuki HH, Ong HC, Kusumo F, Mahlia TMI, Bahar AH (2016a) Pilot-scale production and the physicochemical properties of palm and Calophyllum Inophyllum biodiesels and their blends. J Clean Prod 126:654–666

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Silitonga AS, Masjuki HH, Ong HC, Yusaf T, Kusumo F, Mahlia TMI (2016b) Synthesis and optimization of Hevea Brasiliensis and Ricinus Communis as feedstock for biodiesel production: a comparative study. Ind Crop Prod 85:274–286

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Srithar K, Arun Balasubramanian K, Pavendan V, Ashok Kumar B (2017) Experimental investigations on mixing of two biodiesels blended with diesel as alternative fuel for diesel engines. J King Saud Univ - Eng Sci 29:50–56

    Google Scholar 

  • Vijayakumar C, Ramesh M, Murugesan A, Panneerselvam N, Subramaniam D, Bharathiraja M (2016) Biodiesel from plant seed oils as an alternate fuel for compression ignition engines—a review. Environ Sci Pollut Res 23:24711–24730

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wakil MA, Kalam MA, Masjuki HH, Rizwanul Fattah IM, Masum BM (2014) Evaluation of rice bran, sesame and moringa oils as feasible sources of biodiesel and the effect of blending on their physicochemical properties. RSC Adv 4:56984–56991

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wei L, Cheung CS, Huang Z (2014) Effect of n-pentanol addition on the combustion, performance and emission characteristics of a direct-injection diesel engine. Energy 70:172–180

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xue J, Grift TE, Hansen AC (2011) Effect of biodiesel on engine performances and emissions. Renew Sust Energ Rev 15:1098–1116

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xue J (2013) Combustion characteristics, engine performances and emissions of waste edible oil biodiesel in diesel engine. Renew Sust Energ Rev 23:350–365

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yaakob Z, Mohammad M, Alherbawi M, Alam Z, Sopian K (2013) Overview of the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil. Renew Sust Energ Rev 18:184–193

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yilmaz N, Vigil FM, Benalil K, Davis SM, Calva A (2014) Effect of biodiesel–butanol fuel blends on emissions and performance characteristics of a diesel engine. Fuel 135:46–50

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yoon S, Kim M, Kim H, Choi N (2014) Effects of canola oil biodiesel fuel blends on combustion, performance, and emissions reduction in a common rail diesel engine. Energies 7:8132

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu L, Cheung CS, Zhang WG, Huang Z (2011) Combustion, performance and emission characteristics of a DI diesel engine fueled with ethanol–biodiesel blends. Fuel 90:1743–1750

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu L, Cheung CS, Zhang WG, Fang JH, Huang Z (2013) Effects of ethanol–biodiesel blends and diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) on particulate and unregulated emissions. Fuel 113:690–696

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was conducted under the International Postgraduate Research Award (IPRA) Scholarship funded by the Central Queensland University, Australia.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD, 4702, Australia

    Md. Mofijur Rahman, Mohammad Golam Rasul, Nur Md Sayeed Hassan & Abul Kalam Azad

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Prince of Songkhla University, Chang Wat Songkhla, 90110, Thailand

    Md. Nasir Uddin

Authors
  1. Md. Mofijur Rahman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mohammad Golam Rasul
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Nur Md Sayeed Hassan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Abul Kalam Azad
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Md. Nasir Uddin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Md. Mofijur Rahman.

Additional information

Responsible editor: Philippe Garrigues

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Rahman, M.M., Rasul, M.G., Hassan, N.M.S. et al. Effect of small proportion of butanol additive on the performance, emission, and combustion of Australian native first- and second-generation biodiesel in a diesel engine. Environ Sci Pollut Res 24, 22402–22413 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-9920-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-9920-6

Keywords

  • Environment pollution
  • Macadamia biodiesel
  • Waste cooking biodiesel
  • Rice bran biodiesel
  • Butanol
  • Combustion