Effects of biodiesel blends and ARCO EC-diesel on emissions from light heavy-duty diesel vehicles

Chassis dynamometer tests were performed on seven light heavy-duty diesel trucks comparing the emissions of a California diesel fuel with emissions from four other fuels: ARCO emissions control diesel (EC-D) and three 20% biodiesel blends (one yellow grease and two soy-based), The EC-D and the yellow grease biodiesel blend both showed significant reductions in total hydrocarbons (THC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions over the test vehicle fleet. EC-D also showed reductions in particulate matter (PM) emission rates. NOx emissions were comparable for the different fuel types for most of the vehicles tested. The soy-based biodiesel blends showed smaller emissions differences over the test vehicles, including some increases in PM emissions. This is somewhat in contrast to previous studies that have shown larger reductions in THC, CO, and PM for biodiesel blends. The possible influence of different fuels, fuel properties, and engine load on emissions is also discussed.