Transesterification Optimization of Neem (Azadirachta Indica) Oil to Biodiesel and Its Emission Characterization

Adepoju, T. F. and Okunola, Abiodun A. and Dahunsi, S. O. (2013) Transesterification Optimization of Neem (Azadirachta Indica) Oil to Biodiesel and Its Emission Characterization. Transesterification Optimization of Neem (Azadirachta Indica) Oil to Biodiesel and Its Emission Characterization, 2 (11). pp. 356-375. ISSN 2278-0181

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Abstract

Azadirachta indica methyl esters, AIME, (biodiesel) were produced via a two-step process of esterification and transesterification of seed oil with methanol in the presence of catalyst. In the first step, acid catalyst (H2SO4) was used while in the second step, alkali catalyst (NaOH) was employed. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the transesterification process, and the effects of reaction temperature, catalyst amount, reaction time and methanol/oil molar ratio, and their reciprocal interactions were ascertained. A total of 30 experimental runs were designed by Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) and carried out. A quadratic polynomial was obtained for predicting the transesterification process and the ANOVA test showed the model to be significant (p<0.05). The validity of the predicted model was confirmed by carrying out three independent replicates experiments.The actual maximum AIME yield obtained was 85.13% (w/w) at the reaction temperature of 50 oC, catalyst amount of 0.7 (wt.%) and methanol/oil molar ratio of 3 (v/v) with a reaction time of 60 min. The fatty acid profile of the AIME revealed the dominant fatty acid was linoleic (61.28%). The fuel properties of the AIME were within the ASTM D6751 and DINEN 14214 specifications. The CO and NO emission concentration of blends decrease by 45% and 40%, respectively, compared to the conventional diesel fuel thus, help reduction in emissions that have harmful effect on the environment.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: biodiesel, optimization, response surface methodology, transesterification, Azadirachta indica oil
Subjects: T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering
Divisions: Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics > School of Physics
Depositing User: Engr. Tunde Adepoju
Date Deposited: 17 Jun 2014 19:19
Last Modified: 26 Sep 2019 11:53
URI: https://eprints.lmu.edu.ng/id/eprint/61

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