Effects of oxygenated fuel pertaining to fuel analysis on diesel engine combustion and emission characteristics

The fossil fuel concerns pertaining to the cost augmentation, depletion and environmental issues needs to be supported by alternative fuel. This work reports the suitability of tri-fuel blend (diesel, ethanol and di-butyl ether) prepared in various proportions. The tri-fuel blend proportions were endorsed through the high performance thin layer chromatography using the TLC plates. The analysis of variance revealed that the measurements are within 5% of acceptable limits. In addition, the tri fuel blends were investigated on a diesel engine for its performance, emission and combustion characteristics with different engine operating conditions. The qualitative analysis and engine experimentation confirmed the superior agreement within the acceptable limit. The oxygenated fuel blend enlightens the suitability of D40 BE60 blend among the different fuel proportions. The experimentation results disclosed better fuel economy and significant reduction in NOx and smoke emissions. A substantial decrease in smoke density and NOx to the maximum of 43.2% and 17.1% respectively is observed. The D40 BE60 (DBE 45% and ethanol 15%) features an improved heat release rate and also reduced emissions in the diesel engine. Moreover, the exploit of di-butyl ether and ethanol reveals substantiate enhancements in terms of performance and reduction in emission characteristics as compared with diesel. In place of diesel, the proposed fuel blend can be employed, which would contribute less emissions to the environment. [Display omitted] •Investigations on the influence of tri-fuel blends on engine characteristics.•Tri-fuel blends resulted as homogenous fuel.•Drop-in nitrogen oxides by 17% and smoke opacity up to 43%.•Oxygenated fuels can be a viable substitute to mineral diesel fuel.