by:
○Aguk Zuhdi MF(*), Indrajaya Gerianto(*) , Masataka
Hashimoto(**) and Tomohisha Dan (**)
Proceding the 68th Annual Meeting of Japan Institutions of Marine
Engineering, November 19-22, 2002
Abstract
Diesel engines have been used for more
than a century, but they still need to progress in many aspects. This kind of
engine is applied in many areas, due to its high efficiency, better durability
and reliability. The use of
conventional fuel for diesel engines has several disadvantageous, and
predominantly is air pollution and particulate matters. Scarcity of such a kind
of fuel in the near future could also be one of the challenges to be tackled
head on.
This paper describes at length
characteristics of castor oil as a bio-diesel fuel and its blending process,
along with the engine performances such as engine power characteristics,
specific fuel consumption, exhaust gas emissions of Nox, and its particulate
matters. Several general disadvantageous of methyl ester of castor oil will
also be outlined; especially its high viscosity and weak-solubility when it is
mixed with diesel oil.
This paper also delivers information
on the best composition of methyl ester of castor oil when it is mixed with
diesel oil along with associate torque, power and specific fuel consumption for
various blending compositions. Some general information on the possibility to
develop the use of castor oil in the future and its obstacles are conveyed at
the end of this paper.
Key words: Diesel
engine, alternative fuel, bio-diesel, blending technique, engine performance.
(*) Surabaya Institute of Technology (ITS)
- Indonesia, (**) Kobe Univerrsity of Mercantile Marine (KUMM) –
Japan