Effect of Methanol and Ethanol on lubrication oil degradation of CI engine

Abstract

In present study the sustainability of methanol (BM10) and ethanol (BE10) biofuels is evaluated by analysing the used engine lubricant. The study identifies the merit and implication in the use of biofuels in existing compression ignition (CI) engines. Esterification process is used to prepare methanol (BM10) and ethanol (BE10) biofuels in 90:10 proportions of diesel and biofuel. The density and calorific value of biofuels (BE10, BM10) resulted in high BSFC, compared to plain diesel fuel. Density of used lube oil under diesel fuel is 7.2% higher than lube oil under BM10 and BE10; this is due to the presence of more contamination. Lube oil sample under the plain diesel has reduced viscosity and flash point, which reflects more dilution of fuel in it. FTIR spectra revels the moisture contamination (3000 cm-1) was more in BM10 and BE10 fuel engine lube oil, however the soot (2000 cm-1) content was lower in the case of used lube oil under BE10 fuel. FTIR spectroscopy of used engine oil shows the merit of BE10 in controlling soot and limitation for moisture content.