Experimental analysis of biodiesel atomization characteristics

Atomization is the first process encountered during the combustion of fuels in a compression ignition engine. This paper outlines an experimental anal ysis of the atomization characteristics of five types of methyl ester biodi esel fuels. The biodiesel fuels were produced by transesterifying canola, c oconut, palm, peanut, and soya oils. A Malvern 2600 Laser Diffraction Parti cle Sizer was used to analyze the fuel sprays. Using the Duncan Mean Range Test, the Sauter Mean Diameters (SMD) and Rosin-Rammler distribution parame ters of the five biodiesel fuels were compared with each other and with die sel #2 fuel. No statistical difference was found between the atomization ch aracteristics of coconut and diesel #2 fuels. All of the other biodiesel fu els had atomization characteristics that were significantly different from diesel #2 fuel.