Optimization of production process of biodiesel obtained from canola oil and its effects to engine performance

In this thesis, process of canola oil methyl ester was optimized using alkali catalyst (NaOH). Optimization was performed for concentration of catalyst, ratio of methyl alcohol/oil, temperature of reaction and reaction time. Optimal efficiency of methyl ester was obtained as % 95,66 for concentration of catalyst of % 0,4, ratio of methyl alcohol/oil of % 20, temperature of reaction of 60 °C and time of reaction of 30 minutes. Biodiesel was produced at optimal conditions and it was determined to physical and chemical properties of biodiesel. Blends of canola oil and diesel oil with concentrations with % 5 (B5) and % 20 (B20) were obtained as volumetric ratio. The effects of these oils to engine performance and exhaust emissions were investigated in a single cylinder-direct injection diesel engine. According to experimental datas, when B5 and B20 fuels were compared with diesel fuel, average engine torques were % 1,3 and % 3,4 lower, average engine powers were % 1,4 and % 3,5 lower, average specific fuel consumptions were % 9 and % 17,5 more, respectively. Also, average CO emissions were % 5,7 and % 16,7 lower, average smooke emissions were % 21,6 and % 36,3 lower, average NOx emissions were % 1,3 and % 2,5 more, respectively. Keywords:Biodiesel, Canola, Exhaust Emissions, Transesterification