Parametric study on thermal decarboxylation of coconut oil using calcium carbonate as catalyst
Date
6-2015
Degree
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
College
College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT)
Adviser/Committee Chair
Myra G. Borines
Restrictions
Restricted: Not available to the general public. Access is available only after consultation with author/thesis adviser and only to those bound by the confidentiality agreement.
Abstract
Presently, the Philippines has now progressed in terms of biodiesel and bioethanol production for gasoline and diesel engines. In terms of aviation fuel, the country is still dependent on foreign imports. Thus, there is a need for alternative processes for aviation biofuel production. This study will serve as precursor in the production of alternative aviation biofuels by employing decarboxylation for the production of hydrocarbons from coconut oil. This study investigated the potential of calcium carbonate, a mineral catalyst, significantly cheaper in comparison with the presently utilized catalyst in aviation biofuel production. The decarboxylation runs were investigated using a reaction vessel on an oil bath connected to a reflux condenser and run for three hours. A 2^K factorial design was employed in the experiment where low and high values were set for the three parameters: reaction temperature (150 °C and 200 °C), catalyst loading (1% and 30% mass of catalyst over mass of feed), and amount of solvent (76.92% and 90.91% mass of solvent over mass of solution). Thin-layer chromatography was utilized as the maine analytical procedure to determine the response of the runs. Results from the analysis confirmed that decarboxylation at low temperatures at ambient pressure using calcium carbonate as catalyst is possible. Change in catalyst loading showed the most signifiant effect on the reaction with coconut oil. With the high and low levels of catalyst loading, percent solvent and temperature chosen for the process, the experimental runs showed that the three parameters had significant effects on the decarboxylation process.
Language
English
Location
UPLB College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT)
Call Number
LG 993.5 2015 E62 /P39
Recommended Citation
Paz, Gilliane Alyana O., "Parametric study on thermal decarboxylation of coconut oil using calcium carbonate as catalyst" (2015). Undergraduate Theses. 4429.
https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/etd-undergrad/4429
Document Type
Thesis