Process evaluation for production of biodiesel using cooking oil

Abstract

In this study, the fuel qualities of biodiesel made from leftover cooking oil are assessed and contrasted with those of traditional diesel. The waste cooking oil was characterized for moisture, density, acid value, free fatty acid, saponification value while the fuel properties of the biodiesel produced like flash point, cloud point, kinematic viscosity were characterized. Biodiesel was produced using waste cooking oil with the aim of investigating the effect of temperature on the optimal yield 55⁰C, 60⁰C, 65⁰C and 70⁰C at a constant reaction time of 30 min using methanol as solvent was evaluated. The ratio of waste cooking oil to methanol was 4:1. The results obtained revealed that the highest yield of 88.94% was obtained at 55⁰C. The biodiesel yield decreased with an increase in temperature beyond 55⁰C. The characterization results of the waste cooking oil revealed pH (2.29), moisture content (0.25%), density (0.912 g/cm3), acid value (2.86 mgKOH/g), free fatty acid (1.43 %), and saponification value (164.64 mgKOH/g).Flash point (178°C), cloud point (-12°C), kinematic viscosity (2.19 mm²/s), specific gravity (0.88), cetane number (42), calorific value (43 MJ/kg), and ash content (0.01%) are among the important metrics that were examined. The findings show that the biodiesel has good cold flow qualities, a low ash percentage for cleaner burning, and a high flash point for safe handling. The biodiesel exhibits compatibility with diesel engines and satisfies statutory standards for use, while having a little lower cetane number and calorific value than conventional diesel.