Extraction and Analysis of Biodiesel from Borassus aethiopum and Cassia sieberiana
Abstract
The growing demand for renewable energy sources has intensified research into biodiesel production from diverse feedstocks. This study focuses on the extraction and characterization of biodiesel derived from Borassus aethiopum (African fan palm) and Cassia sieberiana (siebiana cassia), two potentially valuable but underutilized sources of vegetable oil. The primary objectives were to extract biodiesel from these feedstocks using a transesterification process and to analyze the physicochemical properties of the produced biodiesel to evaluate its suitability as an alternative fuel.
Extraction Process
The extraction of biodiesel involved several key steps. First, the seeds of Borassus aethiopum and Cassia sieberiana were collected and subjected to oil extraction. For Borassus aethiopum, the oil was extracted using a mechanical pressing method, while Cassia sieberiana seeds were processed with solvent extraction to maximize oil yield. Following extraction, the oils were subjected to a transesterification reaction using methanol and a catalyst (sodium hydroxide) to produce biodiesel and glycerol. The reaction conditions were optimized, including temperature, time, and catalyst concentration, to maximize biodiesel yield.
Characterization of Biodiesel
The biodiesel samples were characterized based on several physicochemical properties to assess their quality and suitability for use as fuel. Key parameters evaluated included:
Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) Profile: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify and quantify the fatty acid methyl esters present in the biodiesel. The FAME profile provides insights into the composition and potential performance characteristics of the biodiesel.
Density and Viscosity: The density and viscosity of the biodiesel were measured, as these properties affect fuel combustion and engine performance. The biodiesel from both feedstocks exhibited densities and viscosities within acceptable ranges for diesel fuel standards.
Cetane Number: The cetane number, an indicator of fuel ignition quality, was determined using standardized testing methods. Higher cetane numbers generally correlate with better ignition properties and smoother engine operation.
Acid Value: The acid value of the biodiesel was assessed to evaluate the level of free fatty acids, which can affect the stability and quality of the fuel.
Flash Point and Cloud Point: The flash point, which indicates the temperature at which the fuel ignites, and the cloud point, which represents the temperature at which the fuel becomes cloudy, were measured to assess safety and performance in varying environmental conditions.
Keywords
Biodiesel, Borassus aethiopum, Cassia sieberiana, Extraction, CharacterizationHow to Cite
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Copyright (c) 2024 Veroni Ezekoye (Author)
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