Heat Output of Diesel, Kerosene and Biodiesel in Smudge Pots

Purpose

The purpose of this experiment was to compare the heat output of diesel, kerosene and an alternative fuel source in orchard smudge pots.
I became interested in this idea when I was watching the news and it reported on rising diesel prices, I wondered if there was a cheaper and more efficient fuel for diesel-powered items, like vehicles or heaters.

The information gained from this experiment could help people with an orchard. It could save thousands of dollars each year with the rising prices of diesel. 

Hypothesis

My first hypothesis was that biodiesel would burn longer than kerosene or diesel.

My second hypothesis was that diesel would burn hotter than kerosene and biodiesel.

I based my hypothesis on that biodiesel has a lower viscosity then either of the others.  My second hypothesis was based on the fact that most smudge pots use diesel.

Experiment Design

The constants in this study were: 

•    The smudge pot

•    Starting temperature

•    Air temperature

•    Volume of fuel used

•    Measurement methods

The manipulated variable was the type of fuel being burned in the smudge pot.

The responding variables were the heat of the smudge pot’s fumes and burn time.

To measure the responding variables, I used a thermometer to measure the surrounding fumes, a surface thermometer for the surface of the smudge pot  and a watch to measure burn time.

Materials

QUANTITY	ITEM DESCRIPTION
1	Smudge Pot
8 liters	Diesel
8 liters	Kerosene
1	Measuring Device
8 liters	Biodiesel
1	Lighter
1	High Temperature Probe
1	Raytak Raynger Thermometer

Procedures

1.    Check for materials

2.    Prepare 2.5 liters of designated fuel

3.    Pour the fuel into the fuel chamber

4.    Light the fuel, take down the time that the fluid lights

5.    Every two minutes take a probe and a laser temperature

6.    When flame retires record ending time

7.    Repeat steps 2-5 three times for that fuel

8.    Repeat steps 2-6 for each fuel

9.    Clean up and give back the materials borrowed

Results

The original purpose of this experiment was the purpose of this experiment was to compare the heat output of diesel, kerosene and an alternative fuel source in orchard smudge pots.

The results of the experiment were that kerosene created the most heat at 291.3 and 651.8 degrees Celsius, then diesel at 289.4 and 625.7 degrees Celsius, finally biodiesel at 269.7 and 584 degrees Celsius. In time biodiesel came first with 49.7 minutes, then diesel with 48.7 minutes, and finally 45 minutes. 

Conclusion

My original hypothesis was that biodiesel would burn longer than kerosene or diesel.

My second hypothesis was that diesel would burn hotter than kerosene and biodiesel.

The results indicate that my first hypothesis should be accepted, because biodiesel burn longer than both diesel and kerosene.

My second hypothesis should be rejected because the kerosene burned hotter than either of the other fuels.

After thinking about the results of this experiment, I wonder if I would use more of the fuel how the differences would change.
If I were to conduct this project again I would use more types of fuel and more of each of them.

Researched by ---- Derek L