Optimization of Biodiesel from Coconut (Cocos Nucifera) Seed Oil

Optimization of Biodiesel from Coconut (Cocos Nucifera) Seed Oil.

ABSTRACT

Coconut seeds were investigated for its use as biodiesel feedstock. Oil was extracted from coconut seeds using soxhlet extraction method where 67.2% yield of oil was obtained.

Biodiesel synthesis was developed and optimized using Box-Behnken design in Response Surface Methodology to study the effect of experimental variables such as methanol to oil ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature and reaction time on the extracted oil from coconut seeds.

The model shows optimum conditions of biodiesel yield of 79% were found at 6:1 alcohol/oil ratio, 1% catalyst concentration (KOH), reaction temperature of 650C
and a reaction time of 40 min. respectively.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dedication………………………………………………………………………….. ii
Certification…………………………………………………………………………iii
Acknowledgement…………………………………………………………………iv
Table of Contents………………………………………………………………….v-vi
List of Tables……………………………………………………………………….vii
List of Figures………………………………………………………………………viii
Abbreviations……………………………………………………………………….ix
Abstract………………………………………………………………………………x
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction and Literature Review……………………………………….. 1
1.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………..1
1.1.2 Biodiesel…………………………………………………………………….. 1
1.1.3 Vegetable Oils………………………………………………………………. 3
1.2 Literature Review……………………………………………………………4
1.2.1 Coconut (Cocos-Nucifera)…………………………………………………4
1.2.2 Biodiesel Production………………………………………………………..5
1.2.3 Factors Affecting Biodiesel Production…………………………………..8
1.3 Fuel Properties of Biodiesel……………………………………………….12
1.4 Environmental Consideration on use of Biodiesel……………………..15
1.5 By-products of Biodiesel……………………………………………………16
1.6 Aim and Objectives………………………………………………………….17
1.7 Scope of Work………………………………………………………………..18
1.8 Justification of study…………………………………………………………18
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Materials and Methods………………………………………………………20
2.1 Apparatus/Instrument and Reagents………………………………………20
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Results and Discussion……………………………………………………..33
3.1 Results…………………………………………………………………………33
3.2 Discussion……………………………………………………………………..34
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Conclusion and Recommendations………………………………………..44
4.1 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………….44
4.2 Recommendations…………………………………………………………….45
References…………………………………………………………………….46
Appendices……………………………………………………………………..51

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INTRODUCTION

The replacement of mineral fuel by biodiesel is one of the effective ways of solving the problem of saving and effective usage of energetic resources. Biodiesel is becoming an increasingly acceptable alternative to fossil diesel because of the narrowing gap between worldwide oil production and consumption.

Also, Nigeria’s vegetation and rainfall regime support agrarian activities that can produce feedstock for biofuel production. Sustainable biofuel production will
create more jobs and stimulate related industries thus improving the socioeconomic industries of the country (Itodo et al., 2010).

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REFERENCES

Azam, M.M., Waris, A.H., and Nahar, N.M.,(2005). Prospect and Potential Fatty acid methyl esters of some non-traditional seed oil for use as biodiesel in India. Biomass and Bio-energy 29: 293-302
AgarwaL, A.K., (2007). Biofuel (Alcohol and Biodiesel). Application as Internal Combustion Engine Progress in Energy Combustion Science 33:240-255
Alamu, O.J., Waheed, M.A., and Jekayinfa, S.O., (2007). Alkali Catalysed Laboratory Production and Testing of Biodiesel Fuel in Nigeria Palm
Kernel Oil, Agricultural Engineering International: The CIGR Ejournal. Manuscript No EE 009. Vol 4.July, 2007.

StudentsandScholarship Team.