This document describes a study on the production and characterization of biodiesel from cottonseed oil. The researchers investigated various parameters that affect biodiesel yield, including methanol to oil ratio, catalyst type and concentration, and reaction time. The highest biodiesel yield of 92% was obtained using a 1:1 methanol to oil ratio, 0.75% NaOH catalyst, and 150 minutes reaction time. The properties of the produced biodiesel, such as viscosity, flash point, carbon residue and specific gravity, were tested and found to meet ASTM standards for biodiesel.
Characterization of biodiesel produced by meth butanolysis of castor oileSAT Journals
Abstract Crude Castor oil was transesterified using methanol, mixtures of methanol and butanol in molar percentages and potassium hydroxide as catalyst. The optimum reaction conditions, based on the percentage yield of biodiesel, were 45 mins reaction time at 650C and 1.5w/w% catalyst. The alcohol/oil ratio and agitation rate were both held constant at 12:1 and 450rpm respectively throughout the process. The yield of biodiesel from castor oil at such optimum reaction conditions were 87.1%, 85.7 % and 81.7 for 100%, 95% and 90% methanol-butanol molar blends respectively. . The specific gravities at 150C were 0.898 and 0.902ml/g, kinematic viscosities at 400C varied from 6.4 to 7.8 cSt. The calorific values were between 10690 and 10708 cal/g and the flash points were found to be within the range 144 to 1500C. The standard specifications for biodiesel (ASTM D67651) show that the specific gravity, flash point and calorific value requirements were satisfied. The higher viscosity (above 6.0 cSt.) can be controlled by the use of additives. Alternatively, blending with petroleum diesel will lead to improvement of the flow properties of the biodiesel fuel. Keywords: Transesterification, Castor oil, methanol/butanol molar blend, Biodiesel yield.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
Characterization of biodiesel produced by meth butanolysis of castor oileSAT Journals
Abstract Crude Castor oil was transesterified using methanol, mixtures of methanol and butanol in molar percentages and potassium hydroxide as catalyst. The optimum reaction conditions, based on the percentage yield of biodiesel, were 45 mins reaction time at 650C and 1.5w/w% catalyst. The alcohol/oil ratio and agitation rate were both held constant at 12:1 and 450rpm respectively throughout the process. The yield of biodiesel from castor oil at such optimum reaction conditions were 87.1%, 85.7 % and 81.7 for 100%, 95% and 90% methanol-butanol molar blends respectively. . The specific gravities at 150C were 0.898 and 0.902ml/g, kinematic viscosities at 400C varied from 6.4 to 7.8 cSt. The calorific values were between 10690 and 10708 cal/g and the flash points were found to be within the range 144 to 1500C. The standard specifications for biodiesel (ASTM D67651) show that the specific gravity, flash point and calorific value requirements were satisfied. The higher viscosity (above 6.0 cSt.) can be controlled by the use of additives. Alternatively, blending with petroleum diesel will lead to improvement of the flow properties of the biodiesel fuel. Keywords: Transesterification, Castor oil, methanol/butanol molar blend, Biodiesel yield.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
The transesterification procedure is a reversible response and did by blending the reactants – unsaturated fats, liquor and impetus. A solid base or a solid corrosive can be utilized as an impetus. At the mechanical scale, for the most part sodium or potassium methanolate is utilized. The finished results of the transesterification procedure are crude biodiesel and crude glycerol. In a further procedure these crude items experience a cleaning step. If there should be an occurrence of utilizing methanol as liquor FAME (unsaturated fat methyl ester) biodiesel is delivered. The cleansed glycerol can be utilized in the nourishment and corrective ventures, just as in the oleochemical business. The glycerol can likewise be utilized as a substrate for anaerobic absorption.
Optimization of biodiesel production from sunflower oil usingAmanda Susanne
Macroestructura textual referente a la tesis siguiente: http://saia.psm.edu.ve/moodle/pluginfile.php/75822/mod_resource/content/1/OPTIMIZATION%20OF%20BIODIESEL%20PRODUCTION.pdf para la materia de Inglés Técnico.
Production of Biodiesel from Waste Cooking Oil By Co-Solvent Method.IRJESJOURNAL
Abstract:- Biodiesel is a mixture of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from a renewable lipid feedstock. It can be used as an alternative fuel as the fossil fuels are getting depleted day by day. Moreover the use of biodiesel leads to the substantial reduction in the pollution caused by PM, HC, CO etc. This paper consists of the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil using alkaline catalysts NAOH and KOH and cosolvent acetone in the presence of methanol. Waste cooking oil is used because of its high oil content and abundant availability. This method used is co-solvent method.
Virgin coconut oil dielectrical properties as electrical insulation materialjournalBEEI
Mineral oil played an important role as insulating liquid such as to reduce failure, ageing effect, increase the life span and heat transfer agent. Mineral oil had a good dielectric strength and cooling performance but it had serious negative environmental impact like non-biodegradable, non-renewable resource and difficult to dispose when it deteriorates completely. Hence, virgin coconut oil (VCO) was chosen as alternative to replace mineral oil since it biodegrades completely without toxic and easy to get in the tropical country. Three dielectric tests were conducted to investigate the dielectric properties of VCO. Those were breakdown voltage, water content and kinematic viscosity. A study about the effect of the moisture level of VCO on the breakdown voltage and kinematic viscosity was also presented. VCO and mineral oil also undergone heating process to reduce moisture in sample. The study showed that VCO has good potential breakdown voltage with the ability to absorb a lot of moisture keeping the KRAFT paper dry. However, VCO had very high kinematic viscosity compared to mineral oil. Further, the rate of breakdown voltage decreases with increasing of moisture of VCO was lower than mineral oil.
Exploration of the Potential of Reclaimed Waste Cooking Oil for Oil-Immersed ...TELKOMNIKA JOURNAL
In this study, reclaimed waste cooking oil is proposed as an alternative insulating liquid for oil-immersed power transformers. Reclamation is carried out by heating a mixture of waste cooking oil and Fuller’s Earth adsorbent and followed by filtration. Propyl gallate antioxidant is then added into the filtered oil. Four oil samples are investigated in this study: (1) new cooking oil (NCO), (2) waste cooking oil (WCO), (3) reclaimed oil (RWCO) and (4) reclaimed oil with propyl gallate antioxidant (RWCOPG). The AC breakdown voltage, moisture content and total acid number is measured for all oil samples according to the ASTM D1816, ASTM D1533 and ASTM D974 standard test method, respectively. The results show that the AC breakdown voltage is highest for the RWCOPG sample (28.08 kV), which is 0.4% higher than the standard requirement of 20 kV. The moisture content for this sample is 180.60 ppm, which is still below the allowable limit of 200 ppm. However, the total acid number is highest for the RWCOPG sample which suggests that it has high acidity. It is indicated that the antioxidant-reclaimed waste cooking oil has potential to be used as an insulating liquid for oil-immersed power transformers, but much work is still needed to reduce the total acid number of this oil.
Due to increase demand of energy, increasing price
of petroleum fuels, depletion of petroleum fuels, and
environmental pollution by these fuel emissions, it is very
necessary to find the alternative fuels. This work focused on use
of hybrid blends of Karanja and Cottonseed oil Biodiesels. In this
work 20% and 25% blends are used and the performance and
emission tests were conducted on single cylinder, 4-stroke, water
cooled CI engine by running the engine at a speed of 1500rpm, at
a compression ratio of 16.5:1 and at an injection pressure of
205bar and performance parameters like BP, BSFC, BTE and
the emissions like CO, HC and NOx are compared. It was found
that the blends gave comparatively good results in respect of
performance and emissions.
The transesterification procedure is a reversible response and did by blending the reactants – unsaturated fats, liquor and impetus. A solid base or a solid corrosive can be utilized as an impetus. At the mechanical scale, for the most part sodium or potassium methanolate is utilized. The finished results of the transesterification procedure are crude biodiesel and crude glycerol. In a further procedure these crude items experience a cleaning step. If there should be an occurrence of utilizing methanol as liquor FAME (unsaturated fat methyl ester) biodiesel is delivered. The cleansed glycerol can be utilized in the nourishment and corrective ventures, just as in the oleochemical business. The glycerol can likewise be utilized as a substrate for anaerobic absorption.
Optimization of biodiesel production from sunflower oil usingAmanda Susanne
Macroestructura textual referente a la tesis siguiente: http://saia.psm.edu.ve/moodle/pluginfile.php/75822/mod_resource/content/1/OPTIMIZATION%20OF%20BIODIESEL%20PRODUCTION.pdf para la materia de Inglés Técnico.
Production of Biodiesel from Waste Cooking Oil By Co-Solvent Method.IRJESJOURNAL
Abstract:- Biodiesel is a mixture of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from a renewable lipid feedstock. It can be used as an alternative fuel as the fossil fuels are getting depleted day by day. Moreover the use of biodiesel leads to the substantial reduction in the pollution caused by PM, HC, CO etc. This paper consists of the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil using alkaline catalysts NAOH and KOH and cosolvent acetone in the presence of methanol. Waste cooking oil is used because of its high oil content and abundant availability. This method used is co-solvent method.
Virgin coconut oil dielectrical properties as electrical insulation materialjournalBEEI
Mineral oil played an important role as insulating liquid such as to reduce failure, ageing effect, increase the life span and heat transfer agent. Mineral oil had a good dielectric strength and cooling performance but it had serious negative environmental impact like non-biodegradable, non-renewable resource and difficult to dispose when it deteriorates completely. Hence, virgin coconut oil (VCO) was chosen as alternative to replace mineral oil since it biodegrades completely without toxic and easy to get in the tropical country. Three dielectric tests were conducted to investigate the dielectric properties of VCO. Those were breakdown voltage, water content and kinematic viscosity. A study about the effect of the moisture level of VCO on the breakdown voltage and kinematic viscosity was also presented. VCO and mineral oil also undergone heating process to reduce moisture in sample. The study showed that VCO has good potential breakdown voltage with the ability to absorb a lot of moisture keeping the KRAFT paper dry. However, VCO had very high kinematic viscosity compared to mineral oil. Further, the rate of breakdown voltage decreases with increasing of moisture of VCO was lower than mineral oil.
Exploration of the Potential of Reclaimed Waste Cooking Oil for Oil-Immersed ...TELKOMNIKA JOURNAL
In this study, reclaimed waste cooking oil is proposed as an alternative insulating liquid for oil-immersed power transformers. Reclamation is carried out by heating a mixture of waste cooking oil and Fuller’s Earth adsorbent and followed by filtration. Propyl gallate antioxidant is then added into the filtered oil. Four oil samples are investigated in this study: (1) new cooking oil (NCO), (2) waste cooking oil (WCO), (3) reclaimed oil (RWCO) and (4) reclaimed oil with propyl gallate antioxidant (RWCOPG). The AC breakdown voltage, moisture content and total acid number is measured for all oil samples according to the ASTM D1816, ASTM D1533 and ASTM D974 standard test method, respectively. The results show that the AC breakdown voltage is highest for the RWCOPG sample (28.08 kV), which is 0.4% higher than the standard requirement of 20 kV. The moisture content for this sample is 180.60 ppm, which is still below the allowable limit of 200 ppm. However, the total acid number is highest for the RWCOPG sample which suggests that it has high acidity. It is indicated that the antioxidant-reclaimed waste cooking oil has potential to be used as an insulating liquid for oil-immersed power transformers, but much work is still needed to reduce the total acid number of this oil.
Due to increase demand of energy, increasing price
of petroleum fuels, depletion of petroleum fuels, and
environmental pollution by these fuel emissions, it is very
necessary to find the alternative fuels. This work focused on use
of hybrid blends of Karanja and Cottonseed oil Biodiesels. In this
work 20% and 25% blends are used and the performance and
emission tests were conducted on single cylinder, 4-stroke, water
cooled CI engine by running the engine at a speed of 1500rpm, at
a compression ratio of 16.5:1 and at an injection pressure of
205bar and performance parameters like BP, BSFC, BTE and
the emissions like CO, HC and NOx are compared. It was found
that the blends gave comparatively good results in respect of
performance and emissions.
The Investigation Of Utilizing Rapeseed Flowers Oil As A Reliable Feedstock T...IJERA Editor
The world demand for energy in recent decade has been dramatic. Indeed, several hydrocarbons reservoirs are depleted around the world. Moreover, the using of fossil fuels for example, natural gas and coal is emitted high quantities of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to the environment that contributed in global worming phenomenon. Hence, many researchers and energy companies are attended and investigated to find out a new and reliable renewable energy source for example, biogas and biodiesel. Indeed, biodiesel can consider a reliable fuel due to many advantages for instance, reduce the global worming phenomenon, reduces carbon dioxide emissions and sustainable energy source. In fact, biodiesel can be produced from several resources for example, vegetable oil and animal fats. Rapeseed oil may consider a quite reliable and cheap source to produce biodiesel. Indeed, it has been observed that during the spring session in Iraqi Kurdistan region, wild rapeseed flowers are growing naturally in many cities of Iraqi Kurdistan for example, Sulaymaniyah, Ranya and Koya. The observed wild rapeseed flowers are produced considerable amounts of rape seed that can be invested to produced rapeseed oil and biodiesel. Therefore, this study is aimed to produce a reliable biodiesel from rapeseed flower oil by adopting transesterification reaction. Furthermore, this study has also applied process production parameters to find out the optimum operating conditions to produce biodiesel form the rapeseed oil for instance, amount of catalyst 1.25 % KOH and amount of methanol on biodiesel production yield about 7:1.Moreover, several laboratory tests for example, density, cloud point, pour point and cetane value have been applied for the produced biodiesel.
Biodiesel Production from waste Oil with Micro-Scale Biodiesel System Under L...IJERDJOURNAL
ABSTRACT:- The aim of this project is to produce biodiesel from waste oil. The use of vegetable oils as diesel fuel started with the invention of diesel engines in the 1900s and is also common in many countries today. The fact that the oils used in biodiesel production are also an important input of the food industry is a limiting factor in production. For this reason, it is aimed to produce biodiesel from waste oil which can not be assessed in food production in this study. The most important contribution of the study to biodiesel researches is the establishment of a small-capacity biodiesel unit in laboratory conditions. The waste oils from the food production facilities of Namık Kemal University (NKU) have been collected and biodiesel has been produced using two different experimental methods. The analyses that determine the quality of the biodiesel samples have been carried out by Energy Agriculture Research Center of Black Sea Agricultural Research Institute in Republic of Turkey Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock. As a result of the research, it has been determined that the biodiesel fuel obtained by the B-1 method using KOH as a catalyst conforms to the standards and can be used with confidence in diesel engines.
Statistical Modeling and Optimization of Biodiesel Production from Azadiracht...IJAEMSJORNAL
In this work, statistical modeling and optimization of biodiesel production from Azadirachta Indica(neem) using co-solvent technique via a two-step transesterification process was carried out. Neem oil was extracted from neem seeds and properties such as moisture content, specific gravity, acid value, saponification value and iodine value were determined. The experimental design used was Central Composite Design. The range of factor levels used for the Central Composite Design were reaction temperature (30°C to 46°C), catalyst amount (0.8% to 1.2%, w/w), reaction time (20 to 40min) and methanol-to-oil molar ratio (5:1 to 9:1). The co-solvents used were methanol and diethyl ether. The co-solvent-to-methanol volume ratio for all the experimental runs was kept constant at 1:1. Also the biodiesel produced was characterized for some important properties including acid value, specific gravity, saponification value, iodine value, cetane number, ester value, kinematic viscosity, flash point, pour point and cloud point. Optimized biodiesel yield of 84.77% was obtained for reaction time of 35 min, catalyst amount of 1.10g, reaction temperature of 34°C, and oil-to-methanol molar ratio of 6:1. The cetane number (51.733), specific gravity (0.8881g/cm3), flash point (134oC) and kinematic viscosity (5.86mm2/s) of the produced biodiesel met the ASTM specifications. The results of characterization of the biodiesel revealed that biodiesel can be produced at lower reaction conditions and with comparable fuel property with biodiesel produced using conventional methods.
Biodiesel is an elective fuel like regular or 'fossil' diesel. Biodiesel can be delivered from straight vegetable oil, creature oil/fats, fat and waste cooking oil. The procedure used to change over these oils to Biodiesel is called transesterification. This procedure is depicted in more detail beneath. The biggest conceivable wellspring of appropriate oil originates from oil yields, for example, rapeseed, palm or soybean. In the UK rapeseed speaks to the best potential for biodiesel creation. Most biodiesel created at present is delivered from squander vegetable oil sourced from eateries, chip shops, modern nourishment makers, for example, Birdseye and so forth. Despite the fact that oil directly from the horticultural business speaks to the best potential source it isn't being delivered economically essentially in light of the fact that the crude oil is excessively costly. After the expense of changing over it to biodiesel has been included it is basically too costly to even think about competing with fossil diesel. Squander vegetable oil can regularly be sourced for nothing or sourced effectively treated at a little cost.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
A Study On The Performance And Combustion Of A Diesel Engine Fuelled With B...theijes
This paper highlights the performance and combustion of a single cylinder four stroke diesel engine operated on blends of biodiesel produced from waste cooking oil. An additive Diethyl ether (DEE) has been added in three different proportions to B20 blended fuel to study the effect of additive on the performance and combustion of the diesel engine. Our results conclude that the break thermal efficiencies of the diesel engine show an increasing trend with both blended fuels and additive mixed blended fuels, slightly higher than the case of pure diesel fuel.
Biodiesel Production Technology & Feedstocks For India
IJAEST12-02-04-08 paper publish
1. Production and Characterization of
Biodiesel from Cottonseed oil
Anil R. Shet, Shashank S. Kouloorkar, Deepa M. Moolya, Rajath S. Poojari,
Jagadish V. Reddy
Department of Biotechnology, B.V. Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering and
Technology, Hubli, Karnataka 580031, India.
Corresponding author email: shet_anil@rediffmail.com
ABSTRACT
Reserves shortage and price increase are causing a growing substitution of fossil fuels with fuels derived
from vegetable origin such as ethanol or biodiesel. Biodiesel, the most promising alternative diesel fuel, has
received considerable attention in recent years due to its following merits: biodegradable, renewable, non-
toxic, less emission of gaseous and particulate pollutants with higher cetane number than normal diesel. In
this research, the variables affecting the ester yield and characteristics of the biodiesel produced from
cottonseed oil were studied. The highest biodiesel yield of 92% was obtained under the conditions of 1:1
methanol to oil molar ratio, 0.75% NaOH catalyst and 150 minutes reaction time. The properties like
viscosity, flash point, carbon residue and specific gravity of produced biodiesel were investigated and
found to be within the ASTM standards of biodiesel.
Keywords: Cottonseed oil, Biodiesel, Transesterification, Characterization, Free fatty acid.
.
INTRODUCTION
Biodiesel, the most promising alternative diesel fuel, has received considerable attention in recent years due
to its following merits: biodegradable, renewable, non-toxic, less emission of gaseous and particulate
pollutants with higher cetane number than normal diesel. In addition, it meets the currently increasing
demands of world energy that, in a large degree, is dependent on petroleum based fuel resources, which
will be depleted in the foreseeable future if the present pattern of energy consumption continues [1].
Biodiesel is derived from vegetable oils or animal fats through transesterification. Transesterification is
also called alcoholysis, which uses alcohols in the presence of catalyst that chemically breaks the molecules
of triglycerides into alkyl esters as biodiesel fuels and glycerol as a by-product. The commonly used
alcohols for the transesterification include methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, and amyl alcohol.
Methanol and ethanol are adopted most frequently, particularly the former due to its low cost [2]. The three
basic methods of ester production from oil/fat are the base-catalyzed transesterification, the acid catalyzed
transesterification and enzymatic catalysis. Alkali catalyzed transesterification process is the common
process for production, because it can achieve high purity and high yield of biodiesel in short time.
Transesterification reactions have been studied for many vegetable oils such as soybean [3], rapeseed [4],
sunflower [5], safflower [6], canola [2], palm [7] and fish oil [8]. In recent years, there exist active
researches on biodiesel production from cottonseed oil, of which the conversion between 72% and 94%
was obtained by enzyme catalyzed transesterification when the refined cottonseed oil reacted with short-
chain primary and secondary alcohols. The application of solid acid catalysts on cottonseed oil
transesterification was investigated. The results showed that the yield of methyl ester was above 90% after
8 hours of reaction. In contrast, transesterifying cottonseed oil by microwave irradiation could produce a
biodiesel yield in the range of 89.5-92.7% [1]. No matter what kind of catalysts or approaches were
applied, all those studies aimed to produce high yield of biodiesel by optimized reaction conditions based
on optimized parameters in terms of alcohol/oil molar ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature,
and reaction time. However, nearly in all studied cases, there existed complex interactions among the
variables that remarkably affected the biodiesel yield. The determination of biodiesel fuel quality is an
issue of great importance to the successful commercialization of this fuel [1].
Although cottonseed oil was the first commercial cooking oil in the U.S, it has progressively lost its market
share to some vegetable oils that have larger production and less cost. However, regarding the active
researches on biodiesel production from vegetable oils, there is a promising prospective for the cottonseed
oil as a feedstock for biodiesel production, which may enhance the viability of the cottonseed industry.The
focus of this research was to study the effect of various parameters on biodiesel production from cotton
seed oil and characterization of the produced biodiesel.
Anil R. Shet et al. / International Journal of Advances in Engineering, Science and Technology (IJAEST)
ISSN : 2249-913X Vol. 2 No. 4 Nov 2012-Jan 2013 328
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
Raw materials and chemicals
Cotton seed oil was brought from local market, Hubli, Karnataka State, India. Methanol, Sodium hydroxide
and Bromocresol-Green indicator used in this research, were obtained from Sd fine chemicals pvt limited,
India.
Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content
In order to determine the percent of free fatty acid in the oil, the following method was used. The oil was
first mixed with methanol to which 0.1% Sodium Hydroxide was added till all of the FFA has been reacted.
This was confirmed by checking the pH of the mixture. A pH of about 9 signifies all of the FFA has been
reacted. The 0.1% NaOH was prepared by adding 1 gram of NaOH to 1000ml distilled water. 10ml of
Methanol was taken in a 50ml conical flask to which 1ml of oil was added and mixed properly.
Bromocresol-Green indicator was added to the solution and titrated it against 0.1% NaOH. The solution
was mixed properly using a swirling action between the additions of NaOH until a blue-green color was
obtained [9].
Transesterification Process
In the transesterification of oils, triglycerides react with an alcohol, generally methanol or ethanol, to
produce esters and glycerin. To make it possible, a catalyst is added to the reaction.
Fig. 1. Chemical reaction for biodiesel production
The overall process is normally a sequence of three consecutive steps, which are reversible reactions. In the
first step, from triglycerides diglyceride is obtained, from diglyceride, monoglyceride is produced and in
the last step, from monoglycerides glycerine is obtained. In all these reactions esters are produced. The
stoichiometric relation between alcohol and the oil is 3:1. However, an excess of alcohol is usually more
appropriate to improve the reaction towards the desired product [9].
Fig. 2. Steps involved in the transesterification process.
Biodiesel production
Biodiesel production from cottonseed oil was carried out for different parameters like catalyst type (NaOH
and KOH), catalyst concentration (0.25%, 0.75% and 1.25%), Reaction time (0.5h, 1.5h and 2.5h) and
Alcohol to oil ratio (1:1, 2:1 and 8:1).
Anil R. Shet et al. / International Journal of Advances in Engineering, Science and Technology (IJAEST)
ISSN : 2249-913X Vol. 2 No. 4 Nov 2012-Jan 2013 329
3. Fig. 3. Flow chart showing the biodiesel production from cottonseed oil
Appropriate volume of methanol was measured and poured into a 250 ml conical flask as per the required
ratio. The NaOH catalyst was weighed and mixed with methanol for about 15 to 20 minutes until all
catalyst is dissolved. The flask was covered with aluminum foil during shaking to reduce the loss of alcohol
by evaporation. The oil was pre-heated at temperature of 45ºC in water bath to melt coagulated oil
molecules. 25 ml of heated oil was measured and poured into the conical flask, which already contained
alcoxide mixture. This oil and alcoxide mixture was kept in shaker at 200 rpm and room temperature. After
taking out from shaker, the product of the reaction was exposed to open air so that excess methanol gets
evaporated. And then this mixture was allowed to settle using separating funnel for overnight. Crude ester
was present at the top and glycerol at the bottom. Glycerol was removed and the biodiesel which was
remaining in the separating funnel was collected and washed with water. Water and biodiesel was shaken
gently for 1-2 minutes and then allowed to settle. It was washed several times until the washed water
became clear. At the end, biodiesel was heated to remove any moisture content present after washing with
water. For different parameters, the amount of ester produced was measured and the percentage of biodiesel
yield was calculated by [(Volume of BD produced) / (Volume of oil used)] × 100 [10].
Biodiesel characterization
Determination of Specific gravity
A clean and dry bottle of 25ml capacity was weighed (W0 ) and then filled with the biodiesel sample,
stopper inserted and reweighed to give (W1 ). The sample was substituted with water after washing and
drying the bottle and weighed to give (W2). The specific gravity was determined by (W1-W0) / (W2-W0)
[11].
Determination of viscosity
Viscosity is a measure of the resistance of a fluid which is being deformed by either shear stress or tensile
stress.15ml of water was sucked through suction pipe till it crossed the upper mark of the viscometer, and
then the time required by the water to flow from upper-mark to lower-mark was noted down with the help
of a stopwatch. Further 15ml of biodiesel sample was taken in a viscometer. It was sucked through suction
pipe till the sample crossed the upper mark of the viscometer. Then, the time required by the sample to flow
from upper-mark to lower- mark was noted. Relative Viscosity was determined by the equation To/Tw,
Where To = Time taken for biodiesel to travel from upper mark to lower mark, Tw = Time taken for water
to travel from upper mark to lower mark.
Determination of Flash Point
Flash point was measured using Pensky Marten’s apparatus. The cup was rinsed, cleaned and dried before
starting the test. The cup was filled up to the mark with the biodiesel sample and covered with the lid.
Thermometer was inserted such that, the bulb got immersed in the sample and care was taken that stirrer
would not touch the thermometer. The initial temperature of the sample was noted down. Heater was
started and the power level was set such that temperature of sample rises at the rate of 3o
C/min. The stirrer
rotated at 2 rev/ sec. Test flame was applied by operating shooter. For every 2ºC rise in temperature, the
test flame was brought near cup surface for observing the phenomenon. When flash appeared on the surface
of cup, the temperature was noted down and taken as Flash point.
Anil R. Shet et al. / International Journal of Advances in Engineering, Science and Technology (IJAEST)
ISSN : 2249-913X Vol. 2 No. 4 Nov 2012-Jan 2013 330
4. Determination of Carbon Residue
Empty weight of the crucible was taken using a weighing balance. Then, 5ml of biodiesel sample was
poured in a crucible and was weighed again. This crucible was placed in a skid more iron crucible and lid
was placed over it. The lid of the skid more crucible contained tube type opening for the escape of volatile
matter. The combination was then placed in a wrought iron crucible and lid was placed. The above
combination was covered by a chimney shaped iron hood. The wrought iron- crucible was heated slowly
for 10 minutes till the flame appeared. Slow heating was continued for 5 more minutes and finally, strong
heating for about 15 minutes till the vapors of all volatile material was burnt completely. The apparatus was
then allowed to cool and weight of the residue left was determined. Carbon residue was calculated by C =
W1- W2, where W1 = Empty weight of the crucible, W2 = Weight of crucible with carbon residue [11].
Results and Discussion
Determination of % FFA content
Higher amount of free fatty acids (>1% w/w) in the feedstock can directly react with the alkaline catalyst to
form soaps, which are subject to form stable emulsions and thus prevent separation of the biodiesel from
the glycerol fraction and decrease the yield, it is better to select reactant oils with low FFA content or to
remove FFA from the oil to an acceptable level before the reaction [12]. The below table shows the %FFA
of cottonseed oil to be equal to 0.357 % which is below 2.5 %. So the %FFA content of the oil taken for the
research is within the limits.
Table 1. % FFA content of cotton seed oil.
Oil Titration reading in ml Free Fatty Acid content (%)
Cottonseed Oil 0.5 0.357
Table 2. Standard % FFA content values
Titration value
in ml
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
% FFA
content
0 0.357 0.715 1.073 1.431 1.789 2.146 2.504 2.862
Effect of Catalyst Type
In this experiment, different catalyst types were used to study the effect on biodiesel production. The
reactions were carried out using 0.75% catalyst concentration, 1:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 150 minutes
reaction time and room temperature. From the figure 4, it can be seen that NaOH catalyst gave the higher
ester yield compared to KOH catalyst.
Fig. 4. Effect of catalyst type on biodiesel Yield.
Effect of Catalyst Concentration
The effect of NaOH concentration on ester yield was studied in the range of 0.5 to 1.25% (weight of
NaOH/ weight of oil). The reaction temperature and time were kept constant at 300
C and 150 minutes
respectively. It was found that the biodiesel yield initially increased and then decreased as the amount of
Anil R. Shet et al. / International Journal of Advances in Engineering, Science and Technology (IJAEST)
ISSN : 2249-913X Vol. 2 No. 4 Nov 2012-Jan 2013 331
5. catalyst increased from 0.5% to 1.25%. High concentration of NaOH reduced the yield because of high
soap formation and lead to undesirable extra processing cost [13].
Fig. 5. Effect of catalyst concentration on biodiesel yield.
Effect of alcohol to oil molar ratio
Different methanol to oil molar ratios was used, 1:1, 2:1 and 8:1. The reactions were carried out using
0.75% sodium hydroxide for 150 minutes at room temperature. Figure 6 shows the yield of biodiesel from
cottonseed oil by using different methanol to oil molar ratio. The results show that increasing methanol to
oil molar ratio increased the yield of biodiesel production. Methanol to oil molar ratio of 1:1 gave the
optimum yield of biodiesel among them. The high molar ratio of alcohol to oil interferes with the
separation of glycerin because there is an increase in solubility. When glycerin remains in solution, it helps
to drive the equilibrium to back left, lowering the yield of esters [14].
Fig. 6. Effect of methanol to oil ratio on biodiesel yield.
Effect of Reaction Time
In this experiment, reaction time was chosen between 30 minutes to 150 minutes. The reactions were
carried out by using 1:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 0.75% NaOH concentration and at room temperature.
Figure 7 shows the yield percentage of biodiesel at different reaction times. From the results, 150 minutes
of reaction time gave better yield when compared to 30 minutes. The longer the reaction time, the more the
hydrolysis of ester would occur. It might produce many free fatty acids at the end, and these FFAs would
involve in soap formation, thus reducing the biodiesel yield [10].
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6. Fig. 7. Effect of reaction time on biodiesel yield.
Fig. 8. Biodiesel produced from Cottonseed oil.
Biodiesel Characterization
The characterization of biodiesel was done by studying the different properties like viscosity, specific
gravity, carbon residue and flash point. The experimental values obtained were tabulated and compared
with those of ASTM values, which were found to be satisfactory.
Table 3. Experimental values for the produced biodiesel compared with the ASTM values.
Property ASTM values Experimental values
Specific gravity (g/cc) 0.860-0.900 0.9716
Viscosity (mm2
/s) 1.9 – 6.0 2.04
Flash point (o
C) > 130 170
Carbon residue (% mass) 0.050 0.046
.
Conclusion
Several parameters affecting biodiesel production from Cottonseed oil were studied. The free fatty acid of
the cottonseed oil was determined and found to be below 2.5%.The optimum values of different parameters
affecting the biodiesel production were as follows: 0.75% NaOH (w/woil) concentration, 1:1 methanol to oil
molar ratio and 150 minutes reaction time. The results showed that NaOH was the best catalyst for this
reaction condition. It was found that excessive catalyst concentration results in formation of soap and cause
emulsion formation during purification of biodiesel which results in decreased ester yield. Increasing the
alcohol to oil molar ratio decreased the ester yield, because of the presence of glycerin in the solution. The
experimental values of different properties were found to meet the international standards. Overall results
showed that it was effective to produce good quality biodiesel from Cottonseed oil which could be used for
diesel engine.
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7. Acknowledgements
I acknowledge the technical staff of Biotechnology and Mechanical Department of B. V. Bhoomaraddi
College of Engineering and Technology, Hubli, India for their contribution towards the fulfilment of this
research work.
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