Production and Characterization of Biofuel (Biodiesel) from Washingtonia Robusta, Silybum Marianum Seeds and Algae by Transesterification Processes

Abstract

Due to the environmental dangers that resulted from conventional fuels and disadvantageous emisions from its use. Therefore, researchers work in present time on concurring alternative fuel (Biofuel) which be less environmental graveness in comparison conventional fuel. In this study, biodiesel was prepared using three different types of vegetable oil sources (Washington tree seeds, Silybum marianum seeds and algae) and this study included several paragraphs are as follows: The process of extraction of oils from the above raw materials by using a soxhlet continuous extraction for four hours and the use of solvents (n-hexane, petroleum ether and n-hexane: methanol). The highest percentage of SMO was obtain 30%, followed by WRO of 23% and finally AO ranged between 15-20 %. Characterization of some fatty acids found in the oils extracted through the gas chromatography apparatus, where it is observed that the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids is higher than saturated fatty acids. Identification of the original oils and biodiesel samples prepared from these oil is performed with infrared spectrum (FT-IR) for the purpose of determining the functional groups present these samples. Esterification reaction was performed for oils with an acid value higher than (2 mg KOH/ g of oil), The acid value of SMO is reduced from (13.4 to 1.7 KOH/ g of oil) with methanol by molar ratio (1:6) (Oil: Methanol) with a hydrochloric acid catalyst 1% and a temperature of 60°C. The acid value of algae oil decreased from (18.5 to 1.6 KOH/ g of oil) with methanol alcohol under the same conditions as SMO but the catalyst ratio of hydrochloric acid 1.5% for the purpose of completing the esterification reaction. Transesterification reaction was carried out on WRO, SMOT and AOT. It has been reached to the ideal experimental conditions for the production of biodiesel from these oils and as follows: molar ratio of oil to methanol 1:6 , concentration of the catalyst 0.8% w/w KOH, reaction time 90 min and reaction temperature 60°C. The highest percentage of biodiesel was obtained from SMOT 89%, followed by WRO of 80% and finally AOT which produce 60%. Measurement of main specifications of oils and biodiesel samples produced such as density, acid value, saponification value, iodine value, flash point, pour point and high heating value.