An experimental analysis on physical properties and spray characteristics of an ultrasound-assisted emulsion of ultra-low-sulphur diesel and Jatropha-based biodiesel.

Among the effective solutions for the reduction of environmental pollution, the use of fuels with limited-sulphur content or bio-based fuel has been paid much attention due to their advantages. In this experimental work, the ultra-low-sulphur fuel (ULSD) was mixed with biodiesel extracted from Jatropha oil (JOB) after being processed with ultrasonic assistance. There were eight samples used for mixture preparation of ULSD and JOB based on the correlation of viscosity aiming to find the optimal mixing rate for ULSD and JOB. As a result, the stability of the ULSD–JOB emulsion reached 98.5% after 17 min of the ultrasonic treatment with a mixing rate of 50%(ULSD): 50%(JOB) in the case of a distance of ultrasound horn tip to the bottom of vessel of 90 mm. In addition, the similarity of spray characteristics, being penetration length and cone angle, for the ULSD–JOB emulsion compared to a type of diesel oil was reported. The ULSD–JOB emulsion produced by ultrasound delivered a fuel with the ultra-low-sulphur content and increased oxygen content. The above-mentioned emulsion has well satisfied the increasingly stricter requirements of IMO regulations, as well as meeting the recommendations of engine manufactures regarding the fuels used in marine diesel engines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]