Emission characteristics of methanol-in-canola oil emulsions in a combustion chamber

Ultimate analysis, higher heating value (HHV), kinematic viscosity and density were used to characterize the fuel properties. Experimental results showed that fuel type and swirl number had a major influence on emission levels. All the emulsions produced lower NOx, CO and unburned hydrocarbon emissions than pure canola oil at both swirl numbers and all equivalence ratios. The emulsions also produced higher CO2 emissions than pure canola oil. On comparing the performance of the emulsions, it was seen that the addition of methanol to the blend had a definite positive impact on the combustion characteristics. It was observed that higher percentage of methanol in the emulsions led to lesser NOx, UHC and CO emissions. The vorticity imparted to the secondary air by the swirler also affected emission levels considerably. Increased vorticity at higher swirl angle led to better mixing of air and fuel, minimizing emission levels specifically at swirl number of 1.4.