[Experimental study on characteristics of biodiesel exhausted particle]

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Diesel engines are a major source of particulate matter emissions.
• Biodiesel is explored as a cleaner alternative fuel.
• Understanding particle characteristics is crucial for emission control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate particle emissions from a direct-injection turbocharged diesel engine using biodiesel and diesel.
• To analyze particle size distribution, soluble organic fraction (SOF), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Main Methods:

• Particle sampling using an 80 L/min pump and 90 mm fiber glass filters.
• Analysis of particle size distribution via laser diffraction.
• Quantification of SOF and 16 PAHs using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

Main Results:

• Biodiesel particle size distribution is single-peaked; median diameter (d0.5) and mean diameter (d32) decrease with increasing speed.
• Biodiesel particles exhibit larger d32 and d0.5 at high speeds, but smaller at low speeds compared to diesel.
• SOF mass concentration and percentage are significantly higher for biodiesel (12.3–31.5 mg/m³, 38.2%–58.0%) than for diesel.
• Total PAHs emission concentration is lower for biodiesel (2.9–4.7 µg/m³ reduction, 29.1%–92.4% decrease).

Conclusions:

• Biodiesel use in diesel engines leads to reduced PAHs emissions.
• Higher SOF content in biodiesel particles requires further investigation for health impacts.
• Engine speed significantly influences particle size distribution for both fuel types.