Changes in particulate emissions using a vegetable oil lubricant in a single-cylinder IDI diesel engine

The present study concerns the benefits for particulate reduction provided by vegetable oil lubricants. These lubricants are derived from renewable resource materials (sunflower) and can provide a reduction in lubricant generated particulate matter. Such vegetable oil lubricants offer multiple benefits, such as being biodegradable and possessing high oxidative resistance. In this study, a sunflower oil-based lubricant was examined in a single-cylinder indirect-injection Diesel engine to determine whether the vegetable oil lubricant would reduce particulate mass emissions. The results show that when compared with a standard commercial lubricant, the high oleic sunflower oil results in lower total particulate emissions due to its lower volatility. Specific fuel consumption was not significantly altered by the vegetable oil lubricant. Lubricant consumption was reduced for the vegetable oil, but lubricant consumption was only monitored qualitatively.