PRODUCTION AND DETERMINATION OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF KHAYA SENEGALENSIS BIODIESEL FOR USE AS FUEL IN COMPRESSION IGNITION ENGINE
In this study, Production and determination of physico-chemical properties of Khaya senegalensis biodiesel for use as a fuel in compression ignition engine has been presented. The biodiesel was produced using a two-step esterification and transesterification process. During esterification process, 4 liters of khaya-senegalensis oil reacted with 3.78 liters of methanol and 37g of H2SO4 for one hour at agitation speed of 450rpm and temperature of 55oC. The free fatty acid content of the oil was reduced from 7.5% to 1.9%. Transesterification reaction was carried out by preheating the oil products from the first step to 50oC and poured into the biodiesel reactor. Mixtures of methanol and catalyst (1.11liters of methanol and 58.1g of NaOH) were heated to 50oC before adding to the heated oil products in the reactor. The contents of the reactor was heated and stirred at 450rpm and temperature of 55oC was maintained throughout the reaction time of two hours and 90 % conversion of Khaya senegalensis oil to biodiesel was achieved. The physico-chemical properties of Khaya senegalensis biodiesel (B100) were determined using standardized analytical methods. The physico-chemical properties of the biodiesel fuel shows that the moisture content is 0.035 % (vol.), density 905kg/m3, kinematic viscosity at 40 oC 5.09mm2/s, calorific value 37.0 MJ/kg, acid value 0.72mgKOH/g, cetane number 54, flash point 134oC, cloud point -5oC, pour point -25 oC, ash content 0.10% (wt.), and peroxide value 0.225 mgKOH/g. Considering the obtained physico-chemical properties of Khaya senegalensis biodiesel fuel, it could be concluded that Khaya senegalensis biodiesel fuel can be used as a substitute to fossil diesel in compression ignition engines with little modification of the fuel.
Authors : Y.J. Soja, H. Dandakouta and R.I. Ejilah
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 3(1) Date Uploaded : 25th March 2018