2.5. Measurement of properties
The specific gravity of FAME was measured using the specific
gravity bottle, the flash and fire point using Cleveland open cup
apparatus and the viscosity, using Redwood viscometer.
2.6. Engine tests
A four stroke, single cylinder, water cooled, constant speed diesel
engine (Engine make: Kirloskar) was used to test the blends. The
engine was coupled to an alternator by flexible coupling. The engine
was loaded using electrical lighting load tank. The loading arrangement
had a set of lamp switches on a panel board. A burette was
connected with the fuel tank through a control valve for flow measurement.
The flue gas analysis was done using the AVL DIGAS 444
analyzer. The O2 content was measured with a 2 electrode electrochemical
sensor whereas CO, NO, NO2 and SO2 were measured with
3 electrode sensors. The electrochemical sensors were based on gas
diffusion technology. The signal generated was directly proportional
and linear to the volume concentration (% or ppm) of the
analysis gas components. Before starting the analysis, leak test
was done by closing the valve of the probe. This was followed by
the HC residue test. The probe pipe was inserted slowly into the
stack and positioned when the maximum flue gas temperature
was reached and was displayed. The measurements were noted
down. The smoke was analyzed using the AVL 437 smoke meter.
The concentration of smoke was measured as smoke density.
The formulae used for calculating various parameters are:
Brake PowerðBPÞ;W¼ð
ffiffiffi 3
p
VIcosUÞ=Alternator efficiency
Brake Mean Effective Pressure ðBMEPÞ;N=m2 ¼ðBP60Þ=ðStroke volumeNÞ
where N is rotations per minute.