Abstract

Given the need for new alternatives to finite source of energy from fossil fuels, testing of alternative fuels has become quite important. Studies have been carried out using sets of tractor with equipment to evaluate the operational performance together with supplying diesel and biodiesel. Biodiesel is a feasible alternative as it waives adjustments in diesel cycle engines, unlike other clean fuels such as natural gas or biogas, for example. This study aimed at to assess the operational performance and smoke density of a tractor running on diesel and biodiesel, through the parameters of fuel type and engine speed. The assessed engine speeds were 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2400 and 2600 rpm and the fuel types were diesel B S1800, diesel B S500, soyabean biodiesel and murumuru biodiesel. The results showed that there was an increase in the specific consumption for all fuel types with increasing engine speed, and 1900 and 2000 rpm, mainly for the use of biodiesel speed range that least interferes with the performance. The smoke density was reduced when using soyabean and murumuru biodiesels.

Key words: Biofuel, specific consumption, smoke density, operational performance, engine speeds.