Optimal synthesis of methyl ester of Sal oil (Shorea robusta) using ion-exchange resin catalyst

Bhaskar Hajra,Chandan Guria,Akhilendra K Pathak

doi:10.1007/s40090-014-0024-6

Abstract

This paper deals with the synthesis of Sal oil methyl ester (SOME) biodiesel using Sal oil (Shorea robusta) and acidic ion-exchange resin catalyst (INDION-225 H). An experimental set-up was proposed for the synthesis of SOME biodiesel where esterification of free fatty acids and transesterification of glycerides of fatty acids took place simultaneously with continuous removal of water. Effects of methanol and catalyst loading were studied to maximize the conversion of Sal oil to SOME biodiesel. Biodiesel productivity was also tested using recycled catalyst and a constant yield of biodiesel was obtained for all the catalyst recycle experiments. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) study of recycled catalyst was carried out to check the morphology of the catalyst and the degradation of the catalyst after recycling. SEM analysis revealed that the catalyst activity remained unchanged after several recycles. In the proposed process, ion-exchange resin not only reduced catalyst consumption and effluent generation considerably but also enhanced the productivity of SOME biodiesel considerably by eliminating the steps of purification. Acid value was measured continuously to monitor the extent of biodiesel formation with reaction time. The yield of SOME biodiesel was measured after purification of the reaction mass and it was tested using ASTM’s standard methods of biodiesel testing. Finally, the properties of SOME biodiesel were compared with the petroleum-based diesel fuel.

Highlights

As the petroleum reserves are depleting rapidly with a prediction of being totally exhausted in the near future, present day researchers have concentrated on finding the alternative fuel sources
This paper deals with the synthesis of Sal oil methyl ester (SOME) biodiesel using Sal oil (Shorea robusta) and acidic ion-exchange resin catalyst (INDION225 H)
An optimal synthesis of methyl ester of Sal oil biodiesel was carried out using INDION 225 H ion-exchange resin catalyst

Summary

Introduction

As the petroleum reserves are depleting rapidly with a prediction of being totally exhausted in the near future, present day researchers have concentrated on finding the alternative fuel sources In this regard, biodiesel may be treated as a promising alternative source of fossil fuel. Biodiesel is a biomass-based, biodegradable, non-toxic and renewable fuel that has been used in internal combustion engines successfully with reduced emission of carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, hydrocarbons, particulate matters, polyaromatics and smokes [1,2,3,4]. It does not contribute any additional CO2 to the atmosphere while burning. The drawbacks of using these catalysts for biodiesel production are (1) the formation of corrosive environment during transesterification (2) poor recovery of the catalyst, (3) the requirement of additional purification steps to obtain the desired grade of

Methods

Results

Conclusion