Emission characteristics of a diesel engine operating with biodiesel and blends

This paper describes the experimental results of performance and emission of a Mercedes-Benz OM 904 LA direct injection turbo-cooled diesel engine operating on a test bench, as part of studies supported by the Brazilian Biodiesel Program (Programa Nacional de Produção e Uso de Biodiesel). Several fuel blends, prepared with methyl and ethyl esters from soybean or castor vegetable oils and petrodiesel, were tested. Changes in full load performance parameters and emissions according to 13-modes Euro 3 cycle were evaluated. Complementary tests to quantify lubricant dilution and engine behavior at low-load high-speed condition were also developed.