Atomization characteristics of Rapeseed oil sprays

Several studies have been conducted to qualify various oil and their derivatives from plants and vegetables as alternative renewable energy source. However, these studies were generally conducted with test approach, without considering in detail all the aspects related to atomization, thermal stability and combustion characteristics of these fuels. So, the performances as a fuel of a typical vegetable oil used in the esterification process for Biofuel production, the rapeseed oil, have been investigated in a 100 kW pilot plant available at IRC. Preliminary study of physical characteristics as the viscosity and the thermogravimetry profile has been carried out to check the oil stability with the temperature. Furthermore, rapeseed oil sprays have been investigated under different conditions of pressure and temperature by mean of laser-based optical technique according to the Lorenz-Mie theory. Moreover, rapeseed oil flame has been studied with particular regard with stable gasses (CO, CO2, NOX, O2), temperature, soot formation and burnout. All these data have been compared with those obtained with a classical diesel oil under the same burning condition in order to qualify this new fuel. At moment the rapeseed oil seems to be a very effective substitute of the diesel oil since it produces, at least, less pollutants and soot.