In Situ alkaline transesterification of extruded Jatropha curcas seeds

Date

5-2009

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

College

College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Rex B. Demafelis

Co-adviser

Laura J. Pham

Committee Member

Butch G. Bataller

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Abstract

In Situ transesterification is a recent method for biodiesel production. It is a simple process wherein extraction of oil is done simultaneously with its reaction step. It was shown to be efficient in preparing fatty acid esters. It eliminates the expense associated with solvent extraction and oil cleanup The production of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) by in situ transesterification of triacylglycerol (TAG) in extruded Jatropha curcas seeds was investigated in this research work. Extruded Jatropha seeds was found to contain 44.4217% oil and 0.965% FFA. Effects of varying volume of methanol, sodium hydroxide concentration, and reaction times were examined. Combinations at various levels at room temperature and at high temperature were generated using Response Surface Method. This statistical method was also used in analyzing the responses of %FAME and %FFA. For both temperature profiles, it was investigated that: at greater alcohol volume, the lower the alkali concentration required to give good yields of FAME and low TAG and FFA contamination Reactions at 45oC proceeded well with no FFA contamination but with high unreacted TAG present in the post transesterified liquid. While reactions conducted at room temperature proceeded well with no TAG contamination but with minimal FFA contamination.

Language

English

Location

UPLB College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology

Document Type

Thesis

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