Investigation of Corrossion Effects of Jatropha Biodiesel on the Injector of an Engine Fuel System
English

I. Nuhu, F.M. Sani, I. A. Rufai
2014 International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technoloy  
This paper presents an investigation into the corrosive behaviour of biodiesel on the injector of the fuel system of a diesel engine. The experimental study was based on the methods of weight loss and scanning electron microscopy. Test specimens prepared from the injector of a diesel engine were exposed to different blends of Jatropha biodiesel for a period of 28 days under ambient conditions. Corrosion rates were determined in accordance with Callister (1997). Jatropha biodiesel blends B100,
more » ... 0 and B5 exhibited corrosion rates of 0.017 mmpy, 0.013 mmpy and 0 mmpy respectively. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed some stains on the surfaces of the specimens corresponding to corrosive effects of the media and weight loss within the immersion period. The study has shown that Jatropha biodiesel blends with up to 5% biodiesel content can be used as motor fuel without any modification to the engine fuel system. The findings of the current research can serve as a guide in identifying the blends of Jatropha biodiesel that could suitably be used on a long term basis on a diesel engine without modification. This will surely promote the use of biodiesel as engine fuel and consequently help in protecting our environment.
doi:10.14445/22315381/ijett-v8p203 fatcat:fti2lr2avvagvhjcuxvdjy22ka