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Biodiesel in engines can reduce net carbon dioxide emissions and boost renewable energy. Despite the benefits of biodiesel engines, little is known about their effects on fuel filters. Filterability hinders the broad use of sustainable biodiesel, as filter clogging and deterioration can lead to engine damage and further hinder the widespread adoption of biodiesel. This study aims to investigate algae biodiesel (Chlorophyta) and diesel fuel filtration and filter deterioration to fill this gap.

This study investigates the effects of different biodiesel blends on diesel fuel filter parameters, namely, filter blocking tendency (FBT), tensile strength of filter medium upon immersion and other physiochemical properties. In total, 20% biodiesel and 80% diesel (B20) was chosen for its common use as a commercial blend, 40% biodiesel and 60% diesel (B40) for mid-level biodiesel content and 100% biodiesel (B100) for pure biodiesel testing. Testing these concentrations allowed us to determine the effect of increasing biodiesel content. B20 biodiesel emerges as the most suitable blend, providing the best balance of performance and durability with a low FBT (1.0) and a 6.9% increase in tensile strength over diesel. B40 and B100 had higher FBTs of 1.53 and 7.57, respectively, and lower tensile strength, resulting in increased filter clogging and material deterioration. SEM results demonstrated that B20-immersed filters had little structural changes as compared to B40 and B100; the colour darkened noticeably suggesting deposits, including sterol glucosides, indicating material deterioration and clogging.

The results from current study concluded that when compared to B40 and B100, the B20 biodiesel blend provides the best balance of performance and longevity, with less filter blockage, improved tensile strength and lower maintenance requirements. However, its performance in harsh settings, such as colder climes, high-pressure systems and engines requiring more power output, may require augmentation and more study. While higher blends may be more appropriate in some applications, B20 remains the most adaptable solution for a wide range of general operational situations.

The study concludes that the B20 biodiesel blend provides optimal performance, longevity and maintenance for compression ignition engines, exceeding other blends. While B40 and B100 may be appropriate in certain situations, B20 remains the most practical and versatile option, combining environmental benefits with engine compatibility, making it a superior alternative to standard diesel fuel.

This study aims to investigate the erosion wear rate of a stainless steel automobile exhaust manifold, both computationally and physically.

The experiment was performed on a motorcycle exhaust manifold as well as on a 3D model, created using SolidWorks 2022 CAD software. The analysis was later achieved using ANSYS 19.2 simulation software using Fluent – code.

The analysis of solid particle erosion in the exhaust manifold revealed that erosion wear is concentrated predominantly at the extrados of the manifold, with the most significant wear occurring at the lowermost bend. The erosion wear rate increases with larger particulate sizes and varies among bends, with negligible wear observed in straight pipes. The SEM analysis further confirmed surface degradation, with rugged textures, pits and grooves indicating abrasive wear. Spine-like structures and fractured soot particles suggest erosive and abrasive forces caused by high-speed contact of exhaust gas compounds. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed significant carbon abundance, indicating carbonaceous compounds from fuel combustion, along with notable amounts of oxygen and iron, typical of oxidized metallic constituents. The discrete phase modeling (DPM) analysis highlighted peak particulate matter deposition at the first bend exit, with maximum concentrations observed at specific angles. This deposition is influenced by centrifugal force, leading to increased PM concentration at outer bend walls. Velocity magnitude contours showed asymmetrical flow profiles, with high turbulence levels and secondary flow induced by centrifugal effects in bend areas. Dynamic pressure contours revealed varying pressures at intrados and extrados, with maximum pressure observed at the intrados of the manifold’s bends. These findings provide valuable insights into erosion wear, particulate dispersion and flow dynamics within the exhaust manifold.

The study investigated an automobile exhaust manifold model using ANSYS Fluent code and DPM to analyze erosion wear rate phenomena and its various constituents. This analysis was conducted in comparison with a physically eroded sample. The study offers insights into the mechanism underlying the exhaust manifold of an automobile.