HOW TO PREPARE BIODIESEL

Introduction :

Biodiesel, which is a new, renewable and biological origin alternative diesel fuel, has been receiving more attention all over the world due to the energy needs and environmental consciousness. Biodiesel refers to a vegetable oil- or animal fat-based diesel fuel consisting of long-chain alkyl (methyl, propyl or ethyl) esters.

Steps to follow :

1. Moringa Oil heating using hot plate and magnetic stirrer

2. Preparation of methanol KOH solution

3. Combining Methanol KOH solution to heating oil

4. Transferring solution into separating funnel

5. Water washing and water bathing

6. Heating

7. Blending of biofuel with diesel

Moringa Oil heating using hot plate and magnetic stirrer

200m (about 656.17 ft) of Moringa oleifera oil is taken in a flask. The apparatus is then shifted onto a hot plate with magnetic stirrer. The hot plate temperature is set to 60 degrees Celsius and stirrer at 520rpm. The apparatus is then left undisturbed until the oil temperature reaches 59-60 degree Celsius.

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Preparation of methanol KOH solution

While the oil is being heated on a hot plate. 40 ml (1:5 ratio to oil volume) is taken in a beaker. 1.8 grams (1% wt of oil) of KOH pellets are added to the methanol beaker. The mixture is then stirred using a magnetic stirrer until all the KOH pellets are dissolved.

The beaker is covered on top using a glass plate to stop methanol from escaping the beaker sue to stirrer heat or by spillage.

Combining Methanol KOH solution to heating oil Transesterification

After the temperature of oil reaches ~60 degree Celsius, methanol and KOH solution is added to the heated oil from the top. The solution is then covered on top using a glass plate to avoid chemicals from evaporating. The solution is then left undisturbed with stirrer at 520rpm, and temperature being kept between 60-64 degree Celsius. The temperature is checked every 5 mins to ensure it does not cross 64 degrees Celsius as it will result in the evaporation of methanol in solution. The solution is left alone for 90 minutes (about 1 and a half hours) for transesterification to complete.

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Transferring solution into separating funnel

After 90 mins of transesterification, the solution in flask is then transferred into a separating funnel. Formation of glycerol and biofuel layers can be seen after transfer which ensures that the transesterification process is done.

The apparatus is then left undisturbed for 6-7 hours for the glycerol and biofuel to separate completely and form layers. Glycerol and biofuel get separated and form layers because of the difference in density.

Water washing and water bathing

After 6-7 hours, the glycerol is taken out using a separating funnel knob at the bottom. Fuming hot distilled water is then added from the top of the funnel. The apparatus is then left undisturbed for few minutes, for the water and oil to separate. The hot distilled water is then filtered out from the bottom. This procedure is repeated 2-3 times to remove any remaining glycerol in the funnel.

After that, the biofuel is taken in a flask filled with distilled water. The flask is then transferred onto a heating mantel. The flask is heated until the appearance of bubbles is seen.

Bubbles start appearing from the bottom of the flask and rise towards the surface. This procedure is done to remove any excess methanol left in the biofuel. After the appearance of bubbles, the flask is taken out the heating mantle and then shared vigorously. Then the mixture is transferred onto a separating funnel. It is then left undisturbed for a few minutes for the distilled water and fuel to get separated. Distilled water is then taken out from the separating funnel.

Heating

After obtaining biofuel. It is then heated to 110 degrees Celsius. This is done to ensure any distilled water in the fuel evaporates completely.

Blending of biofuel with diesel

Four diverse types of blends were taken as shown in the above table. Total volumes of 1200 ml (about 40.58 oz) per blend is taken. Blending of biofuel and diesel is done using a conical flask and magnetic stirrer. The blend is stirred for about 10 minutes.