Synthesis of biodiesel from triglyceride oil

Abstract

This research work has dealt with kinetics of biodiesel production (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester “FAME”) from triglyceride oils through transesterification. This project is divided into two parts: literature study and a small experimental testing of kinetics measurements. A focus of the literature study has been on the kinetic models and experiments for transesterification. It briefly touches various biodiesel synthesis techniques that are of being researched. It also describes applications and problems that are associated with different types of transesterifications. We found that lot of work has been done on optimizing the reaction conditions for biodiesel production. We need to do more research on biodiesel process optimization incorporating high free fatty acids. In the experimental part is described the synthesis of Jatropha methyl ester from Jatropha oil, methanol and homogenous alkali catalyst as raw materials. Kinetic experiments were made and carried out in laboratory for small scale production of biodiesel. A simple and accurate NMR method was implemented to determine fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) in biodiesel product from Jatropha oil. The kinetic parameters based on NMR analysis gave activation energy that fits with the literature value. This method of FAME synthesis can be used and these results are reproducible.