Process Optimization and the Kinetics of Transesterification of Jatropha curcas Oil
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Date
SEPTEMBER, 2010
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Abstract
This work focused on the kinetics of production of biodiesel from Jatropha curcas seed oil (a non-edible oil). The oil was obtained from Busunu in the Northern Region of Ghana. Some physicochemical properties of the crude Jatropha oil were determined; the density was 0.909gcm -3, the acid value was 6.418mgg -1 of oil and the FFA content was 3.23%. The crude oil was then transesterified using methanol and KOH at varied reaction conditions. The optimum reaction conditions were chosen based on the percentage yield obtained. Optimum conditions were found to be as follows: the optimum molar ratio of oil to alcohol was found to be 1:6, amount of catalyst of 1.2% KOH (weight by volume of oil), temperature of 55°C, time of 45min, and a stirring rate of 250rpm. Based on the optimized conditions; the order of the reaction with respect to the biodiesel was first order and an Activation Energy of 53,814 J per mol was recorded. The fuel produced had a cetane index of 54.55, kinematic viscosity of 7.9Cst, total acid number of 0.14mgKOHg-1, pour point of 0°C, density of 886.4kgm-3, basic sediments and water of 0.01 %wt, ash content of 0.001 %wt, sulphur of 0.01 %wt, Conradson carbon of 0.16 %wt and metals (Na + K) of 1.125ppm. Almost all the fuel properties were within the ASTM standard for biodiesel 2009; hence the biodiesel produced from Jatropha seed oil is of useful quality and can be used in any diesel engine. This work can thus serve as basic information for further research especially for biodiesel production from Jatropha oil from Busunu in Northern Ghana for any researcher.
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Thesis Submitted in Fulfillment for the Requirement of the Degree of Master of Science in Chemistry,