Production of Biodiesel from Watermelon Seed (Citrullus lanatus) Oil via Alkali Catalysed Transesterification

Authors: Orbih AO, Obahiagbon KO, Amenaghawon NA

DOI Info: N/A

ABSTRACT

This study was focused on the production of biodiesel from watermelon seed oil via alkali catalysed transesterification. The oil was extracted from the seeds using a Soxhlet extractor with petroleum ether and then characterised. The effect of various factor on the transesterification of the extracted oil to produce biodiesel was performed at different conditions: ratio of oil to methanol (1:3, 1:6, 1:8 and 1:10), temperature (50 ^oC, 55 ^oC and 60 ^oC), catalyst concentration (0.5wt%, 1.5wt%, 2.5wt% and 3.5wt%), and stirring speed (250 rpm, 450 rpm, 750 rpm and 1600 rpm) for a total reaction time of 180 minutes. The biodiesel produced was characterized and its properties were compared to ASTM standard values to determine its suitability as a liquid fuel. Results obtained from the characterization of the watermelon seed oil showed that it was a suitable feedstock for biodiesel production as its properties were similar to those specified by the ASTM standards. The optimum conditions for the production of biodiesel were established as oil-methanol ratio (1:6), concentration of catalyst (1.5 wt%), temperature (60 ^oC), stirring speed (1600 rpm) and methanol volume (430 ml). The biodiesel yield at temperatures of 50 ^oC, 55 ^oC and 60^oC were 85%, 92% and 95% respectively. The properties of the biodiesel produced were found to be very comparable with those specified by the ASTM standards. The results obtained in this study could serve as a platform for plant wide design and optimization of commercial scale biodiesel plants.

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