Tribological performance of low blend decanter cake biodiesel

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the tribological performance of the decanter cake feedstock biodiesel which was blended in 5 and 10 per cent volume with petroleum diesel.

Design/methodology/approach

The tribological performance of the decanter cake biodiesel was tested using the modified ASTM D4172 standard with temperature range from 300°C to 750°C and load range from 392 to 981 N while spindle speed is at 1,200 rpm.

Findings

At 5 per cent volume of biodiesel, friction reduced ranging from 10 to 45 per cent at all temperature and load ranges, whereas specific wear rate reduced ranging from 22 to 29 per cent at low load and 4 per cent to 15 per cent at high load for all temperature ranges. Addition up to 10 per cent volume of biodiesel reduced friction ranging from 10 to 35 per cent at all temperature and load ranges, whereas specific wear rate reduced ranging from 15 to 29 per cent only at low load for all temperature ranges.

Practical implications

The standardised test may not represent the actual condition of a real running diesel engine.

Originality/value

Because the lubricity of biodiesel was difficult to determine in a real running engine, this paper provided a standardised test for simplification.

Citation

Lee, S.C., Tamaldin, N. and Abdollah, M.F.B. (2017), "Tribological performance of low blend decanter cake biodiesel", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 69 No. 3, pp. 425-432. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-08-2016-0180