Solomon, Kiros (PhD)Tewodros, Walle (Mr.) Co-AdvisorSeid, Shumet2019-01-162023-11-042019-01-162023-11-042018-07http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/15786The Energy utilization in the whole world has achieved by using the natural resource like coal, natural gas and petroleum diesel for a long period of time. Continuous using up of those nonrenewable energy sources leads to running down the reserve. In addition to this environmental problems are the main issue in the whole world and this leads to search more attractive and environmentally friend energy source. From this biodiesel is the best one to replace petroleum diesel in order to fulfill our energy needs for a sustainable way. The high cost of edible oil seed has increase biodiesel making price. Due to this searching non-edible oil seed has to minimize biodiesel making cost. The major objective for this study work was the optimization process for making biodiesel from the trichiliaemetica oilseed. For transesterification process trichiliaemetica oil, methanol alcohol and calcium oxide catalyst were used. Extraction of oil was undertaken by using manually operated mechanical compress and 75 ml/kg oil was extract. Experimental results of trichiliaemetica oil properties are moisture content (0.43%), density (910 kg/m 3 ), kinematic viscosity at 40 o C (36.4 cSt), saponification value (183.7mgKOH/g oil) and acid value (4.628 mgKOH/g oil). similarly, the experimental result for characterization of biodiesel from trichiliaemetica oil was listed like: density (887 kg/m 3 ), viscosity at 40 o C (6.11cSt), flashpoint (129 o C), acid value (0.897mgKOH/g oil) and higher heating value (39.8MJ/kg). The physicochemical properties of trichiliaemetica oil and produced biodiesel were matched with the standard values. Moreover, the design expert software was the tool and implemented five level four-factor central composite designs with response surface methodology to optimize the process. Four process parameter was studied with the range: time (1-2hr), catalyst (1-2 weight %), methanol/oil molar ratio (6:1-12:1) and temperature (55-65 o C). The optimum trichiliaemetica oil conversion was achieved at the time (1.5hr), calcium oxide catalyst (1.5 weight %), methanol/oil molar ratio (9:1) and temperature (60 o C). From the analysis of variance result, the experimental percentage of biodiesel yield was 94% and predicted the percentage of biodiesel yield 90.75%. In addition, the result from response surface methodology all parameters except time rendered the high significant influence for biodiesel yield. From the present study, the results show that process optimization from trichiliaemetica oil seed is essential for industrialization and expansion for production of biodiesel.en-USTrichiliaemetica seed oilBiodieselTransesterificationProcess OptimizationThesis