Production of biodiesel by transesterification of refined soybean oil

• DOI: 10.4314/ijbcs.v4i2.58132
• Publication Date: 2011-11-26T21:03:37Z
• Authors: E Aransiola; E Betiku; S Layokun; B Solomon
• Keywords: Soybean oil; Sodium hydroxide; Flash point; Pour point; Sodium methoxide

This study focused on the production of biodiesel via transesterification refined soybean oil obtained locally. Sodium hydroxide was used as alkali catalyst and methanol (as alcohol) in process due to its low cost. The methanol-to-oil molar ratio maintained at 6:1. effect reaction temperature with time loading were studied. varied 30, 40, 50, 60 70 oC; 0.5 1.0% weight oil, respectively. After fatty acid methyl esters [FAMEs (biodiesel)] conversion found rise an increase also but no significant difference (P > 0.05) between temperatures oC oC. optimum 97.89% achieved for 3 h 1% (w/w) catalyst. viscosity (at 40 oC), density, cloud point, pour flash point number 3.40 cSt, 0.86 g/ml, -1 oC, -7 175 0.19, met ASTM standard D-6751. Therefore, has been shown this a good candidate data acquired can be scaled up large scale production. © 2010 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved. Keywords: Renewable energy, esters, diesel,