Experimental Determination of Combustion Characteristics for Commercial Biodiesel and 0# Diesel

Abstract

In this project, we have experimentally studied the combustion characteristics of commercial refined biodiesel and 0# diesel. Combustion of these two types of flammable liquids was carried out in a calorimeter to measure their heat release rate. The results showed that the heat release rate, which is one of the most significant properties in studying combustion, varies significantly depending on the samples and the dimensions of the circular burner. With the aim of evaluating the combustion characteristics, we also determined and analyzed other key properties of the fuels such as flash point, total heat release, and mass loss rate, which reflect the fire hazard. The results provide an experimental basis for developing fire protection measures during use, storage, and distribution of biodiesel. The flash point of biodiesel is higher than for 0# diesel, while the heat release rate, the experimental total heat release, the average combustion temperature and the radiation of biodiesel are lower than for 0# diesel.