Performance analysis and exhaust emissions of neem methyl ester operated compression ignition engine

Neem oil methyl ester (NOME) was prepared from neem oil using alkaline catalyzed transesterification. The important fuel properties of NOME, 20% blend of NOME with diesel, were compared with those of diesel. Optimum injection pressures were determined for neat diesel and NOME-20 blend. Comparison of brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), exhaust gas temperature (EGT), and smoke density was done for diesel and NOME-20 blend at their respective optimum injection pressure. Higher BSFC, a slight decrease in BTE, and a sharp decrease in EGT and smoke density were recorded with NOME-20 blend. Emissions with NOME-20 blend were also compared with diesel emissions at their respective optimum injection pressures. Significant reductions in carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and oxides of nitrogen and increase in carbon-di-oxide were observed with NOME-20 blend. Hence, neem biodiesel has an environmental importance over diesel and shows a promising future.