Influence of Various Operating Characteristics on the Biodiesel Preparation from Raw Mesua ferrea oil

Abstract

Objectives:The aim of this study is to produce biodiesel from crude Mesua ferrea oil and to determine the influence of different operating characteristics, especially catalyst content, methanol to oil molar ratio and reaction temperature on the evaluation of biodiesel yield. Likewise, to assess the physicochemical properties of Mesua ferrea oil biodiesel for diesel engine applications. Methods: Prior to biodiesel production, the crude oil was degummed, bleached and deodorized to remove free fatty acids. Subsequently, the Mesua ferrea oil was converted into biodiesel using the basic transesterification process.The catalyst concentration was varied as 1%, 1.5% and 1.75%, respectively, while the molar ratios were 6:1, 8:1 and 10:1, and the reaction temperatures of 50 o C, 60 o C, and 70 o C were considered. Finally, the physicochemical properties were estimated with the aid of ASTM standards. Findings: The individual conversion efficiencies of MOBD (Mesua ferrea oil biodiesel) were 98.8%, 98.6%, and 98.1%, respectively. In addition, KOCH 3 catalyst has shown better yield of biodiesel than other catalysts. The better yield of biodiesel is found at 8:1, 1.5%, and 60 o C and the individual yields are 98.8%, 98.6% and 98.1%, respectively. Novelty: The influence of different operating parameters on the evaluation of optimal biodiesel yield when using hydroxide and methoxide-based catalysts is a new approach. The biodiesel yield of the methoxide-based (NaOCH 3 and KOCH 3 ) catalyst was higher than that of the hydroxide (NaOH and KOH) catalyst. Similarly, the cetane number of the biodiesel is increased, which is a primary fuel property during combustion in diesel engines.