Calorimetric and optimization study for the production of biodiesel from fresh and waste groundnut oil using NaOH as a catalyst

Abstract

In this study, an optimization study and calorimetric test for biodiesel production are being investigated. The optimum condition for biodiesel production is 5.68 g/L with 96.59% yield. The WVO biodiesel produced at this condition gave a yield of 98.86%. Methanol gave a yield of 96.59% while ethanol did not give a visible separation; there was a colour change during the reaction but did not lead to a visible separation, it solidified into a gel-like solid mass. As the percent of ethanol increases in the blend from 20, 50, and then to 80, the yield decreases from 97.05 to 86.36% and then to no visible separation at high percent ethanol. Based on the results of the calorimetric test, the amount of energy released by biodiesel is greater than that released by conventional diesel and the three blends. Hence, it can be seen that it has a much greater energy density than diesel fuel. Glycerol was seen to be soluble in water while biodiesel was insoluble. The insolubility of biodiesel in water allows for proper washing of biodiesel with warm or hot water where soap, excess catalyst and alcohol are all removed from the biodiesel into the aqueous layer.

Keywords: Biodiesel, calorimetry, methanol, ethanol.