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TRANSESTERIFICATION OF SOYA BEAN OIL AS A

BIO DIESEL

A PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by

KARTHIKEYAN S 090111303024

SANTHOSH M 100411303006

Under the supervision of

Mr. N. KANAGASABAPATHY M.E.,

Department of Mechanical Engineering

in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree

of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING

IN

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

INSTITUTE OF ROAD AND TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGY,

ERODE 638 316

ANNA UNIVERSITY:: CHENNAI 600 025

APRIL 2012

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ANNA UNIVERSITY:: CHENNAI 600 025

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this project report TRANSESTERIFICATON OF SOYA

BEAN OIL AS A BIO DIESEL is the bonafide work of

KARTHIKEYAN S 090111303024

SANTHOSH M 100411303006

who carried out the project work under my supervision.

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE

Dr. S. THARVES MOHIDEEN Ph.D., Mr. N. KANAGASABAPATHY M.E.,

HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT, SUPERVISOR,

Associate Professor Associate Professor

Department of Mechanical Engg., Department of Mechanical Engg.,
Institute of Road and Transport Technology, Institute of Road and Transport Technology,
Erode 638 316. Erode 638 316.

Submitted for the university examination held on _________________

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INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL

EXAMINERI. ACKNOWELEDGEMENT

We owe our sincere gratitude to our supervisor and source of inspiration

Mr. N. KANAGASABAPATHY M.E., Department of Mechanical

Engineering, for his meticulous guidance and support in bringing out this

project a successful one.

We are also invariably thankful to our beloved Head of the Department,

Dr. S. THARVES MOHIDEEN Ph.D., Department of Mechanical

Engineering, for his constructive suggestions and who was sagacious in

bringing out the efficacy in us.

We take our privilege in expressing our gratitude to our beloved

Principal, Dr. K. MAYILSAMY Ph.D., for their constant encouragement in

making our desires to be perfect engineers come true in every aspect.

We are very much thankful to all of our faculty members and lab

technicians for their valuable support and also to our student friends who gave

their valuable ideas and motivation towards this project.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
TITLE
NO. NO.
ABSTRACT 5
1 INTRODUCTION 6

LITERATURE REVIEW 7

2.1 GENITICALLY MODIFIED OILS

9
2.2 CHEMICAL MODIFICATIONS

2 2.3 SAE 40 (MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED OIL)

11
2.3.1 PERFORMANCE BENEFITS
2.3.2 APPLICATION
2.3.3 PROPERTIES OF SAE 40
2.4 SOYA BEAN OIL

PRODUCTION OF SOYA BEAN METHYL ESTER 12

3.1 TRANSESTERIFICATION PROCESS 13
3.2 MATERIALS REQUIRED 14
3.3 METHOD ADOPTED
3.3.1 WASHING PROCEDURE 16

3 3.3.2 REMOVAL OF UNREACTED METHANOL

3.3.3 WASHING TECHNIQUES 20
3.3.3.1 WASHING TECHNIQUE ADOPTE
22
3.3.3.2 DRYING OF WASHED METHYL ESTER
3.4 DETERMINATION OF VISCOSITY

3.4.1 DETERMINATION OF VISCOSITY INDEX

4 CONCLUSION 23
5 LIST OF REFERENCES 24

ABSTRACT:

In this project we have formed the ester of Soya bean oil using the

method of Transesterification process. For making this ester the base oil used is
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the Raw Soya bean oil. The main idea of the project is to reduce the higher

viscous oil into ester (lower viscous oil) in order that it can be effectively used

as an alternative fuel either a blend with diesel or can be used alone. We have

also found the viscosities of the raw oil and formed ester and the viscosities are

compared. Soya Bean Methyl Ester (SBME) is a viable alternative to fossil

fuels. In this project, we have studied various oils composition, characteristics

and chosen the Soya bean oil for its characteristics like Low oxidation and

thermal stability, poor low-temperature properties and narrow range of available

viscosities .This paper describes the study of systematic approach to improve

the oxidation stability and low temperature flow property of soya bean oil.

The use of vegetable oil for engine fuels may seem insignificant today. But

oils become in the course of time as important as petroleum and coal tar

products of the present time

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1. INTRODUCTION

There is an increasing interest in alternative energy sources since the major

part of all energy consumed worldwide comes from petroleum, charcoal and
natural gas. These sources are limited, and will be exhausted in the future.
Historical, many mass and agricultural derived materials have been suggested as
alternative energy sources and the use of biodiesel as fuel presents a premising
potential.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 amended the clean air act to establish a
Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. The RFS program, applicable for 2007
and beyond, is designed to encourage blending renewable fuels into our nations
motor vehicle fuel. A renewable fuel is defined in Energy Policy Act as a motor
fuel that is produced from plant or animal products or wastes. Renewable fuels
include biodiesel, ethanol and other motor vehicle fuels made from renewable
sources.
It has necessitated the governments, research communities, and private
organizations around the world to look for alternative and renewable sources of
energy due to the depletion of petroleum reserves, increase in energy demands, UN
predictability of fossil oil production, and increased concerns of rising greenhouse
gas emissions. To date, many alternatives have been researched and demonstrated
but only a few have been proven to be practically feasible in terms of availability,
economics, public and environmental safety, and simplicity of use. One such
possible alternative is biodiesel from vegetable oil, used at 100% or blended with
diesel fuel for compression-ignition type engines. Several studies have showed that
biodiesel is better than fossil-based than fossil-based diesel in terms of engine
performance, emissions reduction, and environmental benefits.

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2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 GENITICALLY MODIFIED OILS
Oleic acids are more thermally stable than polyunsaturated fats and
therefore are highly desired components in VOs. DuPont has developed a biotech
soybean that contains higher level of oleic acid (C18:1) (CM: N signify M=no. of
carbon atoms, N=no. of double bonds) called high oleic SBO, While Monsanto
launched high oleic Canola oil. Some other specialty canola oil products that
Monsanto expect to market include stearate oil for food applications, high
microstate for soap and detergent manufacturing and medium chain Fas for
lubricants for nutritional and high energy food products.

2.2 CHEMICAL MODIFICATIONS

Modification of the oil through chemical processing to improve oxidation

stability and low temperature fluidity is still a subject under active investigation.
Different modifications routes are covered in this chapter.

The above two options in combination with chemical additive offer the
greatest opportunity for achieving the ultimate goal.

CHEMISTRY

Soybean oil ranks first in worldwide production of VOs (29%) and represent
tremendous renewable sources. The United States production is 2.5 billion gallons
per year with over 6.0 billion gallons per year produced worldwide. Other VOs
includes canola, primarily produced in Canada, rapeseed in Europe, and sunflower
peanuts, cotton seed, coconut, palm fruits, palm kernels, linseed, castor beans,
olive, sesame, corn, safflower, etc. Crude SBO has a viscosity close to that of

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mineral oil (29cSt at 40 c), a high flash point (325c) and a high viscosity index
(VI) (246).
Table 2.1
YIELD COMPARISON OF OTHER OILS BIO-OILS CANDIDATES

BIO OILS Crop oil in liters per hectare

Soya oil 446

Sunflower oil 952
Castor oil 1413
Coconut oil 2689
Palm oil 5950

All crude VOs contain some natural elements such as unsaponifiable matter,
gummy and waxy matter that may interfere with the stability, hydrocarbon
solubility, chemical transformation reactions, and freezing point, and so forth.
Therefore, a purification step is required to obtain refined VOs that are completely
miscible with hexane. Refined VOs are largely glycerides of the FAS. However, to
modify the FA chain of the oil, it is necessary to know the exact composition of
these oils and their thermal and oxidative properties.
The chemical composition of some these VOs is shown in table 2.1. It gives
indications of likely characteristics of products formed after chemical modification
and the most likely transformations , which are required to improve the
physicochemical and performance characteristics of these VOs derivatives. The
Triacylglycerol structure form the backbone of most VOs and these are associated
with different FA chains.

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2.3 SAE 40 (MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED OIL)

The Servo premium CF-4 15W-40 is a premium quality, API certified,

commercial diesel engine oil. The oil is designed for modern, highly rated turbo
charged diesel engines in the over the road transport fleet applications and so off
highway operations. It assures outstanding protection against high temperature
engine deposits, oil degradation, and oil thickening and corrosion resistance. The
oil is having excellent shear stability to maintain viscosity under severe, high
temperature operations.

2.3.1 PERFORMANCE BENEFITS

Reduced engine scuffling and bore polishing

High engine cleanliness

Maximum protection from wear and deposits

Suitable for mixed fleet operation

Improved control of oil consumption

Easier cold starting

Excellent all weather performance due to cold weather properties

Catalyst convertor compatible

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2.3.2 APPLICATION

Servo premium CF-4 15W-40 is recommended for new generation

commercial diesel vehicles of both American and European design such as
caterpillar and Cummins operating on heavy duty highway equipment.

2.3.3 PROPERTIES OF SAE 40

SAE GRADE : 15W-40
Kinematic viscosity, cSt at 100C : 14.0-15.0
Viscosity index, Min : 135
TBN, Mg KOH/g : 9.5-11.5
Flash point, (COC), Min : 200C
Pour point, Max : -24C
Table 2.2
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF OIL (FA Profiles)
16:0 18:0 18:1 18:2 18:3 22:1 Other
SBO 11.8 3.2 23.3 55.5 6.3
Rapeseed 3.5 0.9 19.4 22.3 8.2 45.0
Canola oil 2.5 1.0 64.4 22.2 8.2 1.0
Peanut oil 10 3 50 30 ---- 3a
Sunflower 6 3 28 61
Safflower 5 1 15 79
Linseed 5 3 22 17 52
Olive 14 2 64 16 2
Coconut 9 2 7 1 72b
NOTE: The column heading M: N signify;
M=No. of carbon atoms, N=No. of double bonds,
C18:1=oleic acid C22:1=linoleic acid C22:1=erucic acid
Table 1.3 Properties of Vegetable oils

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2.4 SOYA BEAN OIL

Soya bean have a rich history of industrial use, ranging from ancient times
when the versatile soya bean was used in waterproofing, caulking mechanical
lubrication, leather. According to a recent study by the united soybean board,
soybean oil has greater than 80% probability of acceptance as a crank case
lubricant at present there are a variety of commercial applications where vegetable
oil base lubricants are used. Few of them include gears, chains, crankcase oils,
hydraulic oils, metal cutting fluids, drip oils, wire lobe lubricants, etc.

Soybean oil is relatively cheap when compared to mineral oils and other
vegetable oils. In addition it is safer and environmental friendly.

When compared eat mineral- oil-lubricant base stocks, Soy lubricants have
the following advantages: Higher viscosity, Lower evaporating loss and a potential
to enhance lubricity, which could lead to improved energy efficiency.

Vegetable oils, including soy, do have performance limitations, particularly

in thermal, oxidative and hydrolytic stability, but these problems can be alleviated
through oil modification.

Soybean methyl ester based biodiesel is a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

Apart from its use as an alternative fuel, Soybean oil methyl ester have the
potential to be used as lubricants due to its in heritantly favorable lubricity and
viscosity index properties in this study, two soybean based oil forms(Crude
gummed soybean oil and soybean methyl esters) and manufacturers recommended
oils were tested.
3. PRODUCTION OF SOYA BEAN METHYL ESTER

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Generally, there are three basic ways for the production of methyl esters
from oils and fats:
1. Base catalysed trans esterification of the oil (triglycerides) with
methanol;
2. Direct acid catalysed esterification of the free fatty acids (FFA)
with methanol;
3. Conversion of the oil to FFA followed their esterification as
described above.
The majority of the methyl esters are produced using the base catalyzed
reaction because it is the
Most economic for several reasons
Low temperature and pressure
High yields and short reaction times
Direct conversion process

3.1 TRANSESTERIFICATION PROCESS

Transesterification is the process of using an alcohol (e.g., methanol or

ethanol) in the presence of a catalyst, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium
hydroxide, to chemically break the molecule of the raw renewable oil into
methyl or ethyl esters of the renewable oil with glycerol as a by-product which
is described in Figure 3.4. A catalyst is always added to the Trans esterification
system to improve the reaction rate.
Transesterification consists of a number of consecutive, reversible
reactions. Diglycerides and monoglycerides are the intermediates in this
process. The triglyceride is converted stepwise to Diglycerides, monoglycerides
and finally glycerol. The reactions are reversible, although the equilibrium lies
towards the production of fatty acid esters and glycerol. A little excess of
alcohol is used to shift the equilibrium towards the formation of esters. In

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presence of excess alcohol, the foreword reaction is pseudo-first order and the
reverse reaction is found to be second order. It was also observed that
Transesterification is faster when catalyzed by alkali.

Oil (or) fat Alcohol Ester Glycerin

Trans esterification reaction (fig 3.1)

Transesterified renewable oils have proven to be a viable alternative
diesel engine fuel with characteristics similar to those of diesel fuel. The need
for going to Ester is due to its better Viscosity Index, Thermal Stability and
Oxidation Stability than that of Crude Oil.

3.2 MATERIALS REQUIRED

The materials required for the preparation of Soya bean Methyl Ester are
listed below.
Soya bean oil
Separating funnel
Heater and Thermometer
Alcohol (methanol/ethanol)
Beaker and Measuring flask
Catalyst (NaOH/KOH)
Agitator
Air pump

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3.3 METHOD ADOPTED

Have all the materials warm, room temperature at the coolest, 130F at
the warmest. Put on the respirator, goggles, and gloves. Place 1fluid cup of
methanol in the blender. Measure out 3.5 grams of sodium hydroxide from a
new container and place it in the methanol in the blender. Put the top on the
blender and blend on low speed for about five minutes. Shut off the blender.
The mixture in the blender is now sodium methoxide, a strong base. Avoid
getting this on anything, especially yourself.
Measure one quart of new Crude Soya bean oil and pour it into the
sodium methoxide in the blender. Put the lid on and blend at low speed for half
an hour. Let the mixture settle at room temperature for at least eight hours. The
mixture is now composed of light-colored methyl esters floating on top of
heavier, darker glycerol. Using the hand pump, pump the light biodiesel off the
glycerol.

Preparation of sodium methoxide solution & adding it to oil(fig 3.2)

SOAP FORMATION

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ESTER FORMATION

Oil or fat Alcohol Ester Glycerine

SEPARATION & DRAINING OF GLYCEROL

Separation & Draining of Glycerol (fig 3.3)

3.3.1 WASHING PROCEDURE

Significance of washing

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The Methyl ester produced with the process described above will work in

some heating and lighting equipment and may be used as a lubricant for diesel

engines. Most impurities settle out into the glycerol layer including unfiltered

particulates, methanol, and glycerin. Some sources encourage using unwashed

Methyl ester, because washing Methyl ester is a time- consuming process.

However, some alcohol, sodium hydroxide, and soap remain suspended

throughout the biodiesel after the trans esterification is complete. Water in
Methyl ester can lead to biological growth as the fuel degrades. Unreacted
methanol in the Methyl ester can result in explosion and can corrode engine
components. The catalyst, sodium hydroxide, can also attack other engine
components. Since the methanol and sodium hydroxide are chemical bases,
unwashed biodiesel is caustic and may damage diesel engine components. Soap
is not a fuel and will reduce fuel lubricity and cause injector coking and other
deposits.

3.3.2 Removal of Unreacted methanol

Unreacted alcohol may be distilled from the Methyl ester and reclaimed
for use in future batches. Although alcohol reclamation is beyond the scope of
this publication, note that methanol boils at 148F at sea level. Methanol can be
driven from biodiesel by heating it; do this outside or vent the methanol to the
outside. Never breathe methanol fumes. A much better and safer solution is to
use a vacuum pump to lower the pressure of a closed tank. The methanol can be
collected and re-used. See the Resources section on methanol reclamation.

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Removal of Unreacted methanol (fig3.4)

3.3.3 Washing Techniques
There are three techniques for washing the Ester Agitation washing, Mist
washing, and Bubble washing.
The process of washing Methyl Ester involves mixing it with water.
Water is heavier than Methyl Ester and absorbs the excess alcohol, sodium
hydroxide, and soap suspended in it. After washing and settling, the water and
the impurities in the water can be drained from the bottom of the container.
Several wash cycles are generally needed. The first water drained off the bottom
of the Methyl Ester will be milky, and the final wash water drained off will be
clear. Excess sodium hydroxide in the Methyl Ester will form soap when
mixed with water, and it takes a while for the soap to settle out. Depending on
the method you use, it takes roughly as much water as Methyl Ester for a wash
cycle.

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Washing Techniques (fig 3.5)

Initial washings must involve gentle mixing to minimize the formation of

soap that will take time to settle out. However, you want the mixing to be
thorough and for the water to be dispersed throughout the Methyl Ester.
Agitation washing amounts to stirring water into the Methyl Ester, letting it
settle, and draining it off. Mist washing is spraying a fine mist of water over the
surface of the Methyl Ester. Tiny droplets of water fall through the Methyl Ester
and pick up impurities on the way down.

Bubble washing is done by putting a bubbler in a layer of water beneath

the Methyl Ester in a container. As the bubbles rise they are coated with water,
which picks up impurities as it travels up and then back down through the
Methyl Ester.

3.3.3.1 Washing Technique adopted

The washing technique here adopted is Agitation washing. Pour 1 liter of
Methyl Ester into a 2-liter plastic soft drink bottle.

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Gently pour about 500 milliliters of lukewarm water into the bottle. Seal
with a cap that will not leak.
Gently rotate bottle end for end for about 30 seconds. After 30 seconds
place the bottle upright.
If you have been Gentle, the water and Methyl Ester will separate
immediately. You will notice the water is not clear.
Wearing rubber gloves, remove the cap, and using your thumb as a valve,
turn the bottle upside down and drain the water.
Drain the water into a bucket and allow it to evaporate.

Washing Technique Adopted (Agitation Washing) (fig 3.6)

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Discard any residue.

Repeat the process of adding 500 milliliters of lukewarm water, gently

shaking, and draining off the water four or five times.

Each time that you repeat the process, you should shake the mixture a
little more vigorously and for a little longer, until by the fifth washing
you are shaking the mixture very strongly for about a minute or a little
more.

Washed Methyl Ester is very cloudy, much lighter in color than the
original Methyl Ester, and looks terrible.

After a day or two of settling and drying it will clear.

3.3.3.2 Drying of washed Methyl Ester

After the Methyl Ester is washed, it should be dried until it is clear.

This can be done by letting the Methyl Ester sit (covered) in a sunny
location for a few days, or it may be heated to about 120F for a few
hours.
Reacted, washed, and dried Methyl Ester may be used in any diesel
engine.
It should have a pH of close to 7, or chemically neutral and it should have
no methanol left in it.

3.4 DETERMINATION OF VISCOSITY

The Kinematic Viscosity of the oil samples was determined with a

Redwood Viscometer at temperatures ranging from 40C to 100C.

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Determination of viscosity using Red Wood viscometer.(fig 3.7)

Kinematic Viscosity was estimated by means of the following equation:

Kinematic Viscosity = [At (B/t)]

Where
A & B are Constants
t Redwood seconds
KINEMATIC VISCOSITY OF SOME OIL SAMPLES
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Kinematic Viscosity (Centistokes)

Crude Soya bean oil Soya bean Methyl Ester

40C 100C 40C 100C

31.19 7.4 8.57 2.91

Table 3.1

3.4.1 DETERMINATION OF VISCOSITY INDEX

Viscosity Index is a measure of a fluid's change of viscosity with

temperature. The higher the viscosity index, the smaller the relative change in
viscosity with temperature. The Viscosity Index was calculated for the samples
crude and esters of Soya bean oil from Kinematic Viscosity at 40C and 100C
as per ASTM Standards D 2270 93

From ASTM Standards, the formula used to calculate the Viscosity Index
of the oil is given in the Equation

VI = [((antilog N) - 1) / 0.00715] +100

Where, N = (log H log U) / log Y

Y = kinematic viscosity at 100C of the oil whose kinematic viscosity is

to be calculated, mm2/s (cSt)
H = kinematic viscosity at 40C of an oil of 100 viscosity index having
the same kinematic viscosity at 100C as the oil whose viscosity index is
to be calculated (mm2/s)

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CONCLUSION:

Thus from the above result comparison we can conclude that instead of

using the raw soya bean oil as a vegetable oil it can be effectively regarded as

an alternative fuel. From the comparison, it is clear that there is a tremendous

decrease in the viscosity of the ester when compared with the raw soya bean oil.

It is shown that thermo-oxidative stability and cold flow property can be best

improved using a combination of proper blending of chemical additives, diluent

(PAO) and high-oleic vegetable oils. Vegetable oils are being investigated as a

potential source of environmentally favorable lubricants, due to a combination

of biodegradability, renewability and excellent lubrication performance. Low

oxidation and thermal stability, poor low-temperature properties and narrow

range of available viscosities, however, limit their potential application as

industrial lubricants. This review addresses oxidation as a limitation of

vegetable oil-based lubricants. The basic mechanism of vegetable oil

autoxidation was presented, along with methods used to monitor and analyze

the products of oxidation. The need for going to Ester is due to its better

Viscosity Index, Thermal Stability and Oxidation Stability than that of Crude

Oil. Thus our project also proves this fact and the ester that we have formed can

be used with diesel as a biodiesel.

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LIST OF REFERENCES:

1. Transesterification of vegetable oils with ethanol and characterization of the key

fuel properties of ethyl esters by George Anatopoulos , Ypatia Zannikou, Stamoulis
Stournas and Stamatis Kalligeros.

2. Use of Anti oxidants in vegetable oils by Emmanuel O. Aluyor and Mudiakeoghene

Ori-Jesu.

3. Feasibility report on Small Scale Biodiesel Production, Waste Management &

Research Centre.

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