Optimization and Comparison of Biodiesel (B100) Quality Extracted from Neem (Margosa) and Moringa Stenopetala Seed Oil
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Date
2017-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This Study Focuses On Optimization and Comparison of Biodiesel (B100) Quality Extracted from Neem (Margosa) and Moringa Stenopetala Seed Oils. The seeds were collected from different locations and drying until maintain constant weight. Oil was extracted by soxhlet extraction method using hexane as solvent for each plant species and the values were 43.3 and 48.8 %. Then, purification of the oils was performed by degumming, neutralization, washing and drying sequentially. Acid value, amount of free fatty acid, saponification value, density and kinematic viscosity of the purified oils were determined. The characterization test of the moringa stenopetala and neem seed oils confirmed that acceptable range of physico chemical properties for biodiesel production.
A two-step acid-base catalyzed method was successfully used in the synthesis of biodiesel from moringa stenopetala and neem seed oils. This is due to the high value free fatty acids which were 2.45% for moringa stenopetala seed oil and 8.6% for neem seed oil. The laboratory experiment was based on a full factorial design and two categorical factors with three levels were nominated which were catalyst weight (0.5, 1 &1.5%) and reaction temperature (55, 60 &65). The effect of these variables on biodiesel production was investigated using Design Expert 7.0.0 and optimum reaction conditions were 55oC and 1wt. % for neem oil methyl ester with yield 86.6%. The optimum values for moringa stenopetala seed oil were 60oC and 1wt. % with yield 91.65%.
The fuel properties of the biodiesel produced from moringa stenopetala were closer than the fuel property of neem oil methyl ester to number 2 diesels. Biodiesel produced from both plant species were found to comply with both the American ASTMD 6751 and the European standard EN 14214.Therefore, the major physicochemical properties of Moringa stenopetala seed and neem seed oil methyl ester make it an attractive alternative application to the existing feed stocks for biodiesel production in Ethiopia.
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Moringa stenopetala seed oil, Neem (Margosa) seed oil, Acid - base transesterfication, Methyl ester, fuel properties