PERFORMANCE AND EMISSION CHARACTERISTICS OF A DIESEL-ENGINE OPERATINGON SAFFLOWER SEED OIL METHYL-ESTER

This study focused on the evaluation and testing of safflower seed oil methyl ester as a diesel fuel alternative. The kinematic viscosity an d ASTM fuel properties of the methyl ester fuel were within the limits specified for Grade No.2-D diesel fuel. Engine tests were performed o n a four-cylinder, direct-injection Cf engine using methyl ester and r eference diesel fuel; engine performance and exhaust emission characte ristics were determined. Safflower seed oil methyl ester revealed simi lar engine performance characteristics to the reference Grade No.2-D d iesel fuel. Lower CO and HC emissions were obtained when methyl ester was used, and the negligible amount of sulfur content was an additiona l advantage of methyl ester over diesel fuel.