Enhancing Droplet-Combustion Characteristics of CPO-FAME with D-Limomene

Abstract:

The increasing worldwide demand for energy is driving the search for less harmful alternatives to fossil fuels. In Indonesia, the plentiful palm oil resources position fatty acid methyl ester generated from crude palm oil (CPO-FAME) as a viable low-carbon alternative to traditional diesel. Due to the crucial influence of microscale combustion phenomena on ignition behavior and burn stability, it is imperative to undertake controlled single-droplet tests to isolate the impacts of fuel additives. This study investigates the efficacy of d-limonene as a bioadditive to improve the performance of CPO-FAME. Seven fuel mixes, containing d-limonene at concentrations from 0 to 20% v/v, were examined using a stabilized single-droplet combustion apparatus. The maximum temperature of the flame, ignition delay (ID), burning time (BT), droplet lifetime (DL), and the burning-rate constant (Kc) were determined by utilizing high-speed imaging at 50 frames per second and a thermocouple type K connected to a data logger. Non-linear responses were seen in the results: the ID was shortest at 5% (4.75 s vs 5.25 s baseline), and the flame temperature increased from 513°C (0%) to 602°C (10% v/v). DL increased from 16.25 s (0%) to 19.5 s (20%), and BT dropped to 8.25 s at 3% before increasing at deeper concentrations. At 5%, Kc peaked at 0.17 s^-1, plateaued at 10–15%, and then climbed to 0.19 s^-1 at 20%, but with an unstable flame. Stable flames between 5 and 10% and soot with micro explosions above 15% were verified by visualization. In conclusion, moderate d-limonene loadings lead to improved ignition and flame stability, while large concentrations are detrimental. To improve biodiesel performance, the additive formulation must be managed.

• Periodical: Engineering Headway (Volume 38)
• Pages: 81-89
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-Xp7o4r
• Online since: June 2026
• Authors: Lia Fitriyati, Widya Wijayanti, Mega Nur Sasongko*
• Keywords: Combustion Characteristics, CPO-FAME, D-Limonene, Droplet Combustion, Renewable Energy

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