Effect of Magnetite Ferrofluid on the Performance and Emissions Characteristics of Diesel Engine Using Methyl Esters of Mustard Oil

This present work is intended to find out the additional information on using methyl esters of mustard oil as a substitute for diesel. Higher NOX emissions and lower brake thermal efficiency are the main drawbacks of methyl esters of mustard oil when fueled in diesel engine. In this work, magnetite ferrofluid is added to methyl esters of mustard oil to view its influence on performance and emission characteristics. The possible reason for choosing magnetite ferrofluid is that unlike another additive it can be removed from exhaust gas. Magnetite also releases abundant heat when exposed to higher combustion temperature which in turn reduces the ignition delay and NOX emissions of mustard oil. Experimental tests were carried out in constant speed diesel engine fueled by diesel, methyl esters of mustard oil and methyl esters of mustard oil by adding magnetite ferrofluid. It has been experimentally found that by adding magnetite ferrofluid (1% by volume) to methyl esters of mustard oil, 5.122% increase in brake thermal efficiency and 4.72% reduction in fuel consumption were observed. Further, 5.8, 2.66 and 7.74% reductions in HC, CO and NOx emissions were also observed. From this work, it is concluded that methyl esters of mustard oil subjected to addition of magnetite ferrofluid have a positive impact on reducing various drawbacks associated with it.