Influence of pyrogallol antioxidant on performance and emissions of a CI fuelled with neem oil biodiesel

In current circumstances, energy is considered as a critical factor for economic growth, social development and human welfare. To bridge the ever rising energy requirement, biodiesel an alternative diesel fuel derived from waste vegetable oil, animal fats or vegetable oil is becoming increasingly popular in developing countries. Amongst which the biodiesel derived from neem oil has already proved as potential alternative fuel for CI engine. However the studies which investigate performance and emission characteristics with additives need to be investigated. In the present investigation the neem oil biodiesel was prepared using acid catalyzed esterification followed by trans-esterification process. The performance and emission characteristics of a single cylinder Compression ignition engine was carried with pyrogallol concentration of 0 parts per million (ppm), 250ppm, 500ppm and 750ppm with neem oil biodiesel. The engine performance and emission tests were carried out at a rated speed of 1500 rpm under different loading conditions. An improved performance and emission characteristics of engine was found with addition of pyrogallol as additives in neem oil biodiesel