Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
Biodiesel is defined as mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, which conform to ASTM D6751 specifications for use in diesel engines. Fuel-grade biodiesel must be produced to strict industry specifications in order to ensure proper performance. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. From the production and characterization of biodiesel via the alkaline transesterification of coconut oil using different concentrations homogeneous catalyst (sodium hydroxide), oil to methanol molar ratio of 1:6, reaction temperature of 550C and reaction time of 60 min. Biodiesel can serve as a potential feedstock for the production of biodiesel owing to its high conversion rate and relatively low FFA content. At a catalyst concentration of 1%w/w oil NaOH catalyst, optimum yield of up to 96% was achieved. It is interesting to note that the viscosity of the biodiesel obtained falls within the limit as specified by ASTM D445 (2003). A flash point of 154.2 was obtained for the coconut biodiesel. This shows that the biodiesel is safe for handling as the flash point exceeds the minimum stipulated by the ASTM (93min). The transformation of the triglycerides present in most oils into methyl ester was confirmed by FT-IR studied. Further investigation regarding the profile of the acid methyl esters present in the oil was confirmed using GC-MS analysis.
Highlights
The increased use of fuel resulted in depletion of the fossil reserve
Biodiesel was produced via acid esterification and alkaline catalysed transesterification of coconut oil with methanol
From the production and characterization of biodiesel via the alkaline transesterification of coconut oil using different concentrations homogeneous catalyst, oil to methanol molar ratio of 1:6, reaction temperature of 550C and reaction time of 60 min, the following conclusions were drawn: Biodiesel can serve as a potential feedstock for the production of biodiesel owing to its high conversion rate and relatively low FFA content
Summary
The increased use of fuel resulted in depletion of the fossil reserve. This triggers for many initiatives to search for alternative fuel, which can supplement or replace such fossil fuel. It worthy to state that for many years researchers have been making a lot of effort in alternative for fossil fuels energy resources and replacing it with a non-fossil fuel. All of these were done as an effort to reduce the global warming which is largely caused by our dependence on fossil fuels. Petroleum diesel has gained a bad reputation for being a pollutant fuel It is non-environmentally friendly biodiesel from coconut oil [8]. Coconut oil will be utilized for the biodiesel production process and fuel property will be characterized to access the suitability of the different methyl esters.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
