Abstract:
The dwindling resources of fossil fuels coupled with the steady increase in energy consumption have spurred research interest in alternative and renewable energy sources. Biodiesel is one of the most promising alternatives to fossil fuels. Therefore, a reactor was developed for the production of biodiesel from palm-kernel oil (PKO). The base-catalysed transesterification reaction process is selected in the design of production process. The reactor consists of a cylindrical tank made of stainless steel. It has a water bath whereby the oil is heated with the use of a heating element. It also has a thermostat for the regulation of temperature. The reactor is insulated with fibre glass preventing heat loss. The reactor is equipped with stirrer for the agitation process and an electric motor to serve as the prime mover. The effects of temperature, time and methanol to oil ratio on the yield and quality of the biodiesel were determined. The average yield at temperatures of 40, 50, 60 and 70oC were observed to be approximately 77.88, 80, 83.95, and 66.95% respectively. The average yield at methanol-oil ratios of 6:1, 9:1, 12:1 and 18:1 were observed to be approximately 83.95, 76.33, 73.12, and 72% respectively. The average yield at reaction time of 15 min, 30 min, 45 min and 60 min were observed to be approximately 82.59, 83.78, 83.94, and 83.95% respectively. The change in temperature, time and methanol-oil ratio has a significant difference on the yield at (P ≤ 5%). The highest yield of biodiesel obtained was 83.95%. The optimum conditions are reaction temperature of 60oC, reaction time of 60 min and methanol-oil ratio of 6:1. The lowest biodiesel yield obtained was 65.32%. At room temperature, the specific gravity values obtained vary from 0.915 to 0.926 while the viscosity varies from 2.17mm2/s to 3.32mm2/s. The pour point values vary from 8OC to 10OC while the cloud point varies from 10OC to 12OC. The flash point varies from 64oC to 102oC. Results obtained for the quality test fall within the range of values acceptable for alternative diesel fuel.
