Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi,

I'm doing an experiment testing different types of biodiesels and petrodiesel with each other to see how much carbon dioxide each of them emit and compare them to show how good they really are. I have a bio chamber and CO2 reader to actually test, I'm just not sure about the process of combustion to get CO2 and what that entails for me. I am on a very short time line as I must test by Friday so I can finish for my fair on time.

I really appreciate your help/advice!

Hi,

In order to get the CO2 to measure, you would need to burn each of the diesels in a closed combustion chamber to collect the gases. Do you have anything like that?

For a real-world test, however, it would be best if you had a diesel engine such as is found on some electrical generators. You could put each diesel in the fuel tank, run the engine and test the exhaust gases for CO2. That would probably be the best way to compare CO2 outputs because it is closest to how the fuels would actually be used.

Good luck,

Sybee