Comparative properties and utilization of un-preheated degummed/esterified mixed crude palm oil-diesel blends in an agricultural engine

The production, property, and utilization of un-preheated degummed/esterified mixed crude palm oil (DgMCPO/EMCPO)-diesel blends in an agricultural engine were studied. The results reveal that DgMCPO and EMCPO can be produced easily with costs comparable to diesel. They had a poor liquid phase and high viscosity. Through blending with diesel at maximum portions of 20 vol% (DgMCPO20) and 30 vol% (EMCPO30), clear liquid blends were produced. Almost important fuel properties of these blends met Thailand agricultural engine diesel standard with slightly higher densities and viscosities than diesel, significantly higher oxygen content than diesel, good cetane numbers, and slightly lower heating values than diesel. At 2200 rpm under loads in the range of 1.28-5.6 kW, un-preheated blends were able to well operate the engine as same as diesel. Comparing this with diesel; the blends resulted in slightly higher brake specific fuel consumptions (+4.5% and +5.0%), slightly lower brake thermal efficiencies (−0.9% and −1.2%), significantly lower levels of carbon monoxide (−33.7% and −33.2%), slightly lower exhaust gas temperatures (−5.1% and −5.5%), and significantly higher levels of nitrogen oxides (+8.9% and +15.9%); (all paired values, DgMCPO20 and EMCPO30 respectively). In conclusion, these blends are recommended as effective diesel substitutes for use in agricultural engines.