The effect on engine performance of biodiesel produced from opium poppy oil

As it is known that the petroleum-derived fuels will be soon consumed, researchers have sought the alternative sources of the energy. One of these alternative energy sources is the biodiesel fuels obtained from the poppy oil. These fuels have advantages such as long life and environmental friendliness. In this study, the biodiesel production from poppy oil was carried out by the transesterification method using a single stage alkaline catalyst. The produced biodiesel and the conventional diesel fuel were mixed volumetrically 10%-90%, respectively and B10 fuel was produced. After the determining of properties of biodiesel, the effects of biodiesel on engine performance and exhaust emissions have been studied in a direct-injection and single-cylinder diesel engine. Compared with diesel fuel, specific fuel consumption increased to 8.53%; the engine power and torque decreased to 2.42% and 2.38%, respectively with using of biodiesel. When emission values are examined, it is seen that the smoke and NOx emission values decreased to 9.18% and 6.62%, respectively. Therefore, the biodiesel obtained from the poppy oil can be used as an alternative energy source in the diesel engines without engine modification.