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Production of Biodiesel from Jatropha Oil (Jatropha curcas) in Pilot Plant

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 PROCEEDINGS OF WORLD ACADEMY OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY VOLUME 38 FEBRUARY 2009 ISSN: 2070-3740
Production of Biodiesel from Jatropha Oil
(Jatropha curcas) in Pilot Plant
Tint Tint Kywe, Mya Mya Oo
Abstract—In this research, among the chemical properties, free
fatty acid value of jatropha oil was determined to be 22.6%, 5.23%
and 8.8% respectively. Total, free and combined glycerol percent of
raw jatropha oil were 8.27 %, 0.58% and 7.69 % respectively. Yield
of biodiesel from jatropha oil at optimal sodium hydroxide catalyst
concentration 1%, reaction temperature 65°C, reaction time one hour
and molar ratio of methanol to oil 6:1 was 92% from lab scale. Yield
of biodiesel from jatropha oil at optimal potassium hydroxide
catalyst concentration 1%, reaction temperature – room temperature,
reaction time 5 hours and molar ratio of ethanol to oil 8:1 was 90%
from the lab scale. Biodiesel was also produced from pilot plant at
optimum transesterification process condition as stated above. The
yield of biodiesel (methyl ester) and ethyl ester were 92% and 90%
on the basis of refined jatropha oil in the pilot plant scale. The
capacity of biodiesel pilot plant is 30 gal / day. The fuel properties of
biodiesel, namely cetane index, flash point, pour point, kinematic
viscosity, specific gravity, color, copper strip corrosion, acid value,
water and sediment and distillation at 90% recovery, were found to
be within the limits of American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) specifications for biodiesel and diesel fuel. The fuel
consumption of the engine which used biodiesel produced from free
fatty acid content 5.23% in raw jatropha oil is more than the fuel
consumption of the engine which used biodiesel produced from free
fatty acid content 1% in refined raw jatropha oil.
Keywords—renewable energy, biodiesel, transesterification,
methyl ester, ethyl ester, pilot plant.
I. INTRODUCTION
T HE depletion of world petroleum reserves and the
increased environmental concerns have stimulated the
search for alternative sources for petroleum-based fuel,
including diesel fuels. Because of the closer properties,
biodiesel fuel (fatty acid methyl ester) from vegetable oil is
considered as the best candidate for diesel fuel substitute in
diesel engines.With increasing demand on the use of fossil
fuels, stronger threat to clean environment is being posed as
burning of fossil fuels is associated with emissions like CO2,
CO, SOx, NOx and particulate matter and are currently the
dominant global source of emissions. The harmful exhaust
emissions from the engines, rapid increase in the prices of
petroleum products and uncertainties of their supply have
Tint Tint Kywe, Department of Chemical Engineering, Mandalay
Technological University, Mandalay, Myanmar (corresponding author to
provide phone: 0952-88706; e-mail: ttkywe@ gmail).
Prof Dr. Mya Mya Oo, Rector and Head, Department of Chemical
Engineering, Yangon Technological University, Yangon, Myanmar (e-mail:
mbc@mail4u.com.mm).
PWASET VOLUME 38 FEBRUARY 2009 ISSN 2070-3740
jointly created renewed interest among the researchers to
search for suitable alternative fuels. Compressed natural gas,
propane, hydrogen, and alcohol-based substances (gasohol,
ethanol, methanol, and other neat alcohol) all have their
proponent.
The prices of fuel are going up day after day in the world.
So, ways and means have been sought for many years to be
able to produce oil-substitute fuel.
Biodiesel extracted from vegetable oil is one such
renewable alternative under consideration. The production of
biodiesel would be cheap as it could be extracted from non-
edible oil sources. Jatropha curcas (Linaeus), a non-edible
oil-bearing and drought-hardy shrub with ecological
advantages, belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, was
found to be the most appropriate renewable alternative source
of biodiesel.
The extracted oil could not be used directly in diesel
engines because of its high viscosity. High viscosity of pure
vegetable oils would reduce the fuel atomization and increase
fuel spray penetration, which would be responsible for high
engine deposits and thickening of lubricating oil. The use of
chemically altered or transesterified vegetable oil called
biodiesel does not require modification in engine or injection
system or fuel lines and is directly possible in any diesel
engine.
Pure biodiesel (B100) can be used in any petroleum diesel
engine, though it is more commonly used in lower
concentrations. Since biodiesel is more often used in a blend
with petroleum diesel, there are fewer formal studies about the
effects on pure biodiesel in unmodified engines and vehicles
in day-to-day use. Fuel which meets the standards and engine
parts that can withstand the greater solvent properties of
biodiesel are expected to and in reported cases does run
without any additional problems than the use of compared to
petroleum diesel.
II. MATERIALS AND METHODS
A. Chemical Analysis of the Raw Jatropha Oils
The free fatty acid (FFA) contents of raw oils were
determined by using American Oil Chemists
Society(AOCS), official methods Ca-5a-40, 1959. Nov. The
moisture content of raw oils was quantitatively determined by
oven drying method at (105 ~110°C) for 1 hour.
Saponification value of raw oils were quantitatively
determined by using AOCS, official methods L- 7a-57,1959.
Iodine value of raw oils were determined by using AOCS,
official method Ka-9-51,1959. Specific gravity of raw oils
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was determined by using AOCS official method Cc-10a-25,
1959. The total, free and combined glycerol of raw oils was
determined by using AOCS, official methods Da-23-56, 1959.
Nov.
B. Determination of Physical and Chemical Properties of
Biodiesel
The cetane index of biodiesel was determined by ASTM
D.976 method. The flash point was determined by ASTM
D.93 method. The pour point was determined by ASTM D.97
method. The kinematic viscosity was determined by ASTM
D.445 method. The specific gravity was determined by ASTM
D.1298 method. The carbon residue was determined by
ASTM D.189 method. The copper strip corrosion test was
determined by ASTM D.130 method. The water and sediment
test was determined by ASTM D.1796 method. The total, free
and combined glycerol was determined by AOCS, official
methods Da- 23-56, 1959. Nov.
C. Preparation of Biodiesel from Jatropha Oil in Laboratory
Scale
Biodiesel was prepared with methanol and ethanol each
with different reaction conditions.
With methanol, the experiment was conducted with
optimum molar ratio (6:1) keeping the catalyst concentration
(1% NaOH), reaction temperature (65°C) and reaction time (1
hour).
With ethanol, the experiment was conducted with optimum
molar ratio (8:1) keeping the catalyst concentration (1%
KOH), reaction temperature (70°C) and reaction time (3½
hour).
The required amount of jatropha oil was filtered, measured
with measuring cylinder and then it was poured into the three-
necked round-bottomed flask. The jatropha oil was heated to
the required temperature by using the electric mental.
Alkoxide solution was prepared while the jatropha oil was
heated.
The prepared alkoxide solution was introduced into the
reaction vessel and it was mixed vigorously during the
reaction. When the required reaction period reached, the
reaction was stopped, and the mixture was settled in the
separating funnel for 12 hours or overnight.
After the mixture was settled for 12 hours, the mixture was
separated into two layers. The bottom layer is crude glycerine
and it can be drawn off simply from the bottom of the
separating funnel.
The biodiesel layer was purified by washing with warm
water to remove methanol, residual catalyst and soaps. Before
washing process, the pH of the biodiesel layer was measured
and phosphoric acid was added to the biodiesel layer to
neutralize the catalyst residue. After neutralization process,
the washing process of biodiesel was started. During the
washing process, gentle agitation is required to avoid the
emulsion. After separation of the layer for 30 minutes, the
wash water layer was drained off from the bottom of the
separating funnel. The washing process was repeated until the
ester layer became clear. After the washing process, it was
PWASET VOLUME 38 FEBRUARY 2009 ISSN 2070-3740
required to measure the pH of the biodiesel layer. When the
pH of the biodiesel layer reached 7, the washing process was
completed. After washing process, the biodiesel was
introduced to the sand filter and salt filter. The end product,
biodiesel was obtained as a clear amber-yellow liquid with a
viscosity similar to that of petrodiesel.
D. Production of Biodiesel from Jatropah Oil in Pilot Plant
The main transesterification reaction took place in a 45 gal,
stainless steel reaction tank with a mixer (1100 W motor),
which had a fixed speed of 700 rpm. The required amount of
jatropha oil was filtered, measured and poured into the conical
bottomed reactor tank. Free fatty acid content of jatropha oil
was 5.23% which was heated to the required temperature by
using the 4 kW dry coil heater. While the jatropha oil is
heated, the alkoxide solution was prepared simultaneously.
The prepared alkoxide solution was introduced into the
reactor and the mixture was stirred vigorously for required
reaction time. After that, the reaction was stopped and the
mixture was allowed to settle in the separation tank for 12
hours.
After settling the mixture for 12 hours, it was separated
into two layers. The lower glycerine layer was drawn off from
the bottom of the settling tank. Then, the crude biodiesel was
pumped into the washing tank. The stainless steel tank having
45 gallons capacities was used as a washing tank. It was
equipped with a hand stirrer. The crude biodiesel layer was
needed to purify by washing with warm water. First, the
catalyst residue in the biodiesel layer was neutralized by
adding phosphoric acid. After neutralization process, the
washing process of biodiesel was started. During the washing
process, gentle agitation is required to avoid the emulsion.
After 30 minutes, the wash water layer was drained off from
the bottom of the washing tank. The washing process was
repeated two to four times. After the washing process, it was
required to measure the pH of the biodiesel layer. When the
pH of the biodiesel layer reached 7, the washing process was
completed. After that, the biodiesel layer was sent to the sand
filtration tank.
The sand filtration was done in a 15 gallons stainless steel
filtration tank. The tank was open at the top and it contained
the 100 mesh size stainless steel screen supported by steel
frame. The sand having the size of (-20+60) mesh was put
over the 100 mesh size screen. After filtration, biodiesel was
obtained as a clear amber-yellow liquid with a viscosity
similar to that of petrodiesel. The results of yield percent of
biodiesel from jatropha oil in large scale biodiesel pilot plant
are shown in Table 5.9. The photograph for 30 gal /day
capacity biodiesel pilot plant was shown in figure 1.
E. Engine Performance Test
An engine performance test was accomplished with the
biodiesel prepared from jatropha oil in the laboratory scale.
The results of engine performance tests are shown in Table
A.1.
A MS 1100 diesel engine was used as the test engine. It is a
single-cylinder, four-stroke, horizontal type unit with a
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cylinder bore of 110 mm, a piston stroke 115 mm , a piston
displacement of 1.093 L and a compression ratio of 17. The
engine was equipped with a Model AK individual type pump
and Model ZCK154S432A injection nozzles. Time taken for
test duration was 15 min for both biodiesel and petrodiesel.
Fuel consumption was measured by a measuring cylinder and
engine speed was taken by a AGRONIC digital tachometer.
Engine was run on biodiesel obtained from jatropha oil and
petrodiesel. For the endurance test, the engine operated at
2240 rpm. The results of the short-term performance tests
especially fuel consumptions and exhaust gas temperatures
with diesel fuel and biodiesel fuel are shown in Table A.2.
According to the good results of engine performance test,
large scale production of biodiesel from jatropha oil was
carried out.
III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
reactor. The properties measured were compared with the
ASTM specifications and the results are presented in Table 2
and Table 3.
The cetane index of biodiesel from jatropha oil with
methanol was found to be within the ASTM specified limit.
So, the result showed that molar ratio 6:1 using biodiesel from
jatropha oil was suitable for engine. The higher cetane index
of biodiesel compared to petrodiesel was indicated that it will
be the high potential for engine performance.
The flash point of biodiesel from jatropha oil was 93°C.
Although it was lower than the limit of ASTM standard,
biodiesel was safer than petro-diesel to handle and store
because it has a little bit higher flash point than petro-diesel.
TABLE II PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF BIODIESELS PREPARED
FROM JATROPHA OIL IN THE LABORATORY PREPARATION

A. Chemical Properties of Raw Jatropha Oil

Properties Biodiesel Biodiesel ASTM ASTM
The chemical properties of raw jatropha oil were (B100) (B100) D 6751 D 975
determined. The results of the free fatty acid content, moisture (Methyl (Ethyl standard standard
content, saponification value, iodine value, total glycerol and Ester) Ester) for for
free glycerol in raw jatropha oil are shown in Table1. from from biodiesel diesel
Jatropha Jatropha fuel fuel
Oil * Oil with
TABLE I ANALYSIS OF CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF RAW JATROPHA OIL
With Ethanol
Methanol **
Cetane index 48 50 48 – 65 40 – 55
Properties of Jatropha oil Flash point, °C 93 96 100-170 60 – 80
Free fatty acid (FFA %) 22.6% Pour Point, ° C -1 -1 -15 to 10 (-35) -
Moisture content % 0.2% 15
Saponification value 208.27% Specific 0.8749 0.8733 0.88 0.85
(mg KOH/ g oil) gravity at 50
Iodine value 100.1 °F
Specific gravity 0.878 Kinematic 5.384 4.009 1.9-6.0 1.3-4.1
Kinematic viscosity 41.51 viscosity at
(mm2 /sec) 40°C,
Total glycerol % 8.27% (mm2/sec)
Free glycerol % 0.58% Acid number 1.05 0.65 0.8 -
Combined glycerol % 7.60%
Copper strip No.1 No.1 No.3, -
corrosion max
Water & Trace Trace 0.05%, -
According to Table 1, the free fatty acid content of raw sediment, wt% max
Distillation at 333 346 360, -
jatropha oil for biodiesel preparation was not within the 90% recovery, max
ASTM specified limit. Therefore, raw jatropha oil needed to °C
be neutralized. The properties of raw Jatropha oil obtained Total glycerol, 1.06% 1.1% 0.02%, -
form the research work were found to be nearly the same as wt% max
Free 0.05% Nil 0.24%, -
those described in literature. Total glycerol, free glycerol and glycerol,wt% max
combined glycerol were lowered after the transesterification Combined 1.01% 1.1% 0.22%, -
process. Combined glycerol was decreased after glycerol, wt% max
transesterification reaction because triglycerides were
converted to ester. The amount of free glycerol was decreased
due to good washing process.

*At methanol to oil, molar ratio- 6:1, NaOH %- 1 %, reaction

B. Results of Physical and Chemical Properties of Biodiesel temperature - 65ºC and reaction time 1 hour.
Prepared from Jatropha Oil in the Laboratory Scale **At ethanol to oil, molar ratio- 8:1, KOH %- 1%, reaction
temperature – room temperature and reaction time 5 hour.
The physical and chemical properties of biodiesel from
jatropha oil were studied. The free fatty acids contents in the
raw jatropha oil (22.6%) were used. The biodiesel from
jatropha oil was prepared in the laboratory scale biodiesel

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TABLE III PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF BIODIESELS PREPARED Table 3 describes that the properties of ethyl ester at high
FROM JATROPHA OIL WITH ETHANOL IN THE LABORATORY PREPARATION
temperature and short reaction time were compared with those
of ethyl ester at low temperature and long reaction time. The
Properties 70°C , Room ASTM D ASTM
3½hr temp, 6751 D 975
cetane index, flash point and specific gravity of ethyl ester at
(high 5hr standard standard high temperature and short reaction time were not found to be
temp, (low for for within the ASTM specified limit. The kinematic viscosity
short temp, biodiesel diesel slightly decreases from 41.51 to 18.45 due to the incomplete
reaction long fuel fuel
time) * reaction
transesterification reaction of jatropha oil with ethanol. The
time) ** kinematic viscosity of ethyl ester at low temperature and long
Cetane index 44 50 48 – 65 40 – 55 reaction time was decreased and found to be within the
Flash point, °C 56 96 100-170 60 – 80 specified limit due to the complete conversion reaction.
Pour Point, ° C +3 -1 -15 to 10 (-35) -15
Specific gravity 0.8971 0.8733 0.88 0.85 C. Physical and Chemical Properties of Biodiesel Produced
at 50 °F
Kinematic 18.75 4.009 1.9-6.0 1.3-4.1
from Jatropha Oil in the Pilot Plant Operation
viscosity at The physical and chemical properties of biodiesel from
40°C, jatropha oil were studied. The biodiesel from jatropha oil were
(mm2/sec)
Acid number 1.7 0.65 0.8 -
prepared in the large scale biodiesel pilot plant. The properties
measured were compared with the ASTM specifications
Copper strip No.1 No.1 No.3, - standard and the results are described in Table 4.
corrosion max
Water & Trace Trace 0.05%, - TABLE IV PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF BIODIESEL PRODUCED
sediment, wt% max FROM JATROPHA OIL IN PILOT PLANT OPERATION
Distillation at 370 346 360, max -
90% recovery, Properties Biodiesel Biodiesel ASTM D ASTM
°C (B100) (B100) 6751 D 975
(Methyl (Ethyl standard standard
*At ethanol to oil, molar ratio- 8:1, KOH %- 1 %, reaction Ester) from Ester) from for for
temperature - 70ºC and reaction time 3½ hours. Jatropha Jatropha biodiesel diesel
**At ethanol to oil, molar ratio- 8:1, KOH %- 1%, reaction Oil * with Oil ** with fuel fuel
temperature – room temperature and reaction time 5 hours. Methanol Ethanol
from pilot from pilot
The pour point of biodiesel from jatropha oil was (-1°C) plant plant
due to the higher content of unsaturated fatty acid in raw (FFA 8.8%) (FFA
5.23%)
jatropha oil. The result was found to be within the specified Cetane index 49.2 49 48 – 65 40 – 55
limit and biodiesel from jatropha oil was suitable not only for Flash point, °C 91 98 100-170 60 – 80
the tropical region but also for moderate temperate region. Pour Point, ° C +3 -1 -15 to 10 (-35) -15
The decrease in kinematic viscosity from 41.51 to 5.384 mm2 / Specific gravity 0.8746 0.8766 0.88 0.85
at 50 °F
sec is the important fuel property of the transesterified Kinematic 4.78 5.36 1.9-6.0 1.3-4.1
jatropha oil. This indicates that the flow capability of raw viscosity at
jatropha oil has been increased to a significant extent by 40°C,
transesterification. This increase in the fuel’s ability to flow (mm2/sec)
Acid number 1.0 1.1 0.8 -
would induce complete burning of the fuel without any
ignition delay. The specific gravity of biodiesel was 0.8749 Copper strip No.1 No.1 No.3, max -
and it was also reduced to a significant extent when compared corrosion
with the specific gravity of raw jatropha oil (0.92). Water & Trace Trace 0.05%, -
The free fatty acid and acid value have also been reduced sediment, wt% max
Distillation at 333 352 360, max -
from 22.6 to 1 and 8.8 to 1 respectively, as shown in Table 3. 90% recovery,
Copper strip corrosion, water& sediment and distillation at °C
90% recovery of biodiesel from jatropha oil were found to Total glycerol, 1.1% 1.15% 0.02%, -
within the ASTM specified limit. Total glycerol and free wt% max
Free 0.05% Nil 0.24%, -
glycerol of methyl ester were not found to be within the glycerol,wt% max
ASTM specified limit. Free glycerin means glycerin present as Combined 1.05% 1.15% 0.22%, -
molecular glycerin in the fuel. Free glycerin results from glycerol, wt% max
incomplete separation of the ester and glycerin products after
the esterification reaction. It occurred due to the result of *At methanol to oil, molar ratio- 6:1, NaOH %- 1 %, reaction temperature
- 65ºC and reaction time 1 hour.
incomplete washing and it was accompanied by incomplete **At ethanol to oil, molar ratio- 8:1, KOH %- 1%, reaction temperature –
alcohol removal and a lowered flash point. According to Table room temperature and reaction time 5 hour.
2, it was found that the physical and chemical properties of
ethyl ester were comparable to those of the methyl ester and Table 4 describes that the physical and chemical properties
most of the properties were within the ASTM specified limit. of biodiesel from jatropha oil with methanol and biodiesel

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from jatropha oil with ethanol in pilot plant operation were Raw Jatropha oil with 8.8% FFA was neutralized and
comparable with ASTM standards. The cetane index of transesterified with ethanol and it gives 73% yield of biodiesel
biodiesel from jatropha oil with methanol was found to be base on crude Jatropha oil.
within the ASTM specified limit. The cetane index of
biodiesel with methanol was 49.2 and it was found in the
F. Determination of Engine Performance Test
range of petrodiesel.
Table 4 presents the flash point of biodiesel from jatropha The results of engine performance tests are shown in Table
oil was 91°C. It was 9°C less than the limit of ASTM standard 5 and 6. Table 5 shows the results of engine performance test
and 31°C higher than the petrodiesel. Due to higher flash in which biodiesel was prepared from the laboratory scale
point biodiesel from jatropha oil has certain advantages like with methanol. Table 6 shows the results of engine
petroleum crude such as greater safety during storage, performance test on petrol diesel. The test was done by using
handling and transport. the biodiesel from the laboratory preparation with methanol.
The pour point of biodiesel from jatropha oil was +3°C due Free fatty acid content in the raw jatropha oil was 22.6%.The
to the high unsaturated fatty acid content in jatropha oil but purpose of short term test was to determine the engine
the result was found to be within the specified limit. Specific performance. The parameters of interest such as fuel
gravity, kinematic viscosity, copper strip corrosion, water& consumption and engine speed were recorded, and then the
sediment and distillation at 90% recovery of biodiesel from engine performance (fuel consumption) was determined.
jatropha oil were found to be within the ASTM specified Tables 5 and 6 presented the engine performance test data for
limit. Table 5.9 also shows that the kinematic viscosity of the fuels at 2240 rpm. These tables also showed the power
biodiesel from jatropha oil was reduced from 41.71 to 4.78 by (11.1 kW) and the actual fuel consumption.
the transesterification process. Therefore, the kinematic Table 5 and Table 6 describe the engine performance tests
viscosity is a basic design specification for the fuel injectors with biodiesel from jatropha oil and diesel fuel. The biodiesel
used in diesel engines. Viscosity is another important property from jatropha oil has similar or better fuel consumption,
of biodiesel since it affects the operation of fuel injection horsepower, and torque as conventional diesel due to low
equipment, particularly at low temperatures when the increase viscosity of biodiesel and high cetane index. In general,
in viscosity affects the fluidity of the fuel. engine performance characteristics of the biodiesel from
Jatropha oil has higher viscosity than conventional diesel jatropha oil were very similar to those of petrodiesel. The
fuel and biodiesel. High viscosity leads to poorer atomization engine test of biodiesel from jatropha oil performed smoothly
of the fuel spray and less accurate operation of the fuel and exhibited no starting problems. At the end of performance
injectors. The acid value of methyl ester and ethyl ester were test, some fumes came out from the exhaust, and no audible
slightly higher than specified limit. knock occurred, as predicted by the high cetane numbers
In the case of total glycerol percent and free glycerol reported for biodiesel.
percent, the ethyl ester had higher total glycerol content than
TABLE V ENGINE PERFORMANCE TEST FOR BIODIESEL FROM JATROPHA OIL
the methyl ester, but there was no free glycerol in ethyl ester. (MS 1100 DIESEL ENGINE)
The combined glycerol of methyl ester and ethyl ester were
slightly higher than specified limit because the reaction was
not complete conversion. Revolution Load Out Exhaust Observation
(rpm) (N) put Temperat
(KW) ure (°C)
D. Yield Percent of Laboratory Preparation Biodiesel from
Jatropha Oil with Methanol and Ethanol 2240 100.1 11.1 460 Smooth Running
2240 100.1 11.1 462 Smooth Running
Two different Jatropha oil with FFA% of 22.6% and 8.8% 2240 100.1 11.1 462 Smooth Running
were neutralized and transesterified with methanol. The yields 2240 100.1 11.1 463 Smooth Running
of these two oils based on crude Jatropha oil were 45% and 2240 100.1 11.1 463 Smooth Running
76% respectively. 2240 100.1 11.1 464 Smooth Running
2240 100.1 11.1 465 Smooth Running
Raw Jatropha oil with 8.8% FFA was neutralized and 2240 100.1 11.1 466 Smooth Running
transesterified with ethanol and it gives 73% yield of biodiesel 2240 100.1 11.1 468 Smooth Running
base on crude Jatropha oil. 2240 100.1 11.1 469 Smooth Running
2240 100.1 11.1 469 Smooth Running
2240 100.1 11.1 470 Smooth Running
E. Yield Percent of Pilot Plant Biodiesel Production from 2240 100.1 11.1 470 Smooth Running
Jatropha Oil 2240 100.1 11.1 469 Smooth Running
2240 100.1 11.1 469 Smooth Running
The biodiesel was produced from jatropha curcas oil in 2240 100.1 11.1 469 A little Smoke
pilot plant. Two different Jatropha oil with FFA% of 5.23%
and 8.8% were transesterified with methanol. The yields of
these two oils based on crude Jatropha oil were 92% and 76%
respectively.

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TABLE VI ENGINE PERFORMANCE TEST FOR BIODIESEL FROM DIESEL FUEL were used. Molar ratio of methanol to oil 6:1, KOH 1.2%,
(MS 1100 DIESEL ENGINE)
reaction temperature 65°C and reaction time 1½hours were
given the good results in the pilot plant operation. Free fatty
Revolution Load Out Exhaust Observation
(rpm) (N) put Temperatu
acid content 8.8% of raw jatropha oil was used for biodiesel
(KW) re (°C) production with ethanol. Molar ratio of ethanol to oil 8:1,
KOH 1%, reaction temperature at room temperature and
2240 100.1 11.1 486 Smooth Running reaction time 5hours were showed the good results for
2240 100.1 11.1 470 Smooth Running transesterification reaction in the pilot plant operation.
2240 100.1 11.1 473 Smooth Running
2240 100.1 11.1 471 Smooth Running The physical properties of methyl ester and ethyl ester
2240 100.1 11.1 471 Smooth Running obtained from pilot plant operation were found to be within
2240 100.1 11.1 470 Smooth Running the ASTM specified limits. The chemical properties of methyl
2240 100.1 11.1 470 Smooth Running and ethyl ester such as total glycerol, free glycerol and
2240 100.1 11.1 472 Smooth Running
2240 100.1 11.1 472 Smooth Running combined glycerol were slightly higher than ASTM specified
2240 100.1 11.1 471 Smooth Running limits.
2240 100.1 11.1 472 Smooth Running
2240 100.1 11.1 473 Smooth Running
2240 100.1 11.1 474 Smooth Running
2240 100.1 11.1 473 Smooth Running
2240 100.1 11.1 473 Smooth Running
2240 100.1 11.1 473 Smooth Running

IV. CONCLUSION
It is concluded that the data such as acid value,
saponification value, iodine value and kinematic viscosity
obtained from literature are approximately the same as those
from chemical analysis of local jatropha oil.
Biodiesel was prepared from jatropha oil with methanol and
with ethanol in the laboratory scale. It was found that the
maximum biodiesel yield 76% was obtained from FFA 22.6%
in raw jatropha oil by using the following optimum process
parameters such as methanol to oil molar ratio 6:1, NaOH 1%,
reaction temperature at 65°C and reaction time 60 min. The
maximum biodiesel yield of 73% from FFA 8.8% in raw
jatropha oil was obtained by using the optimum process
parameters such as ethanol to oil molar ratio 8:1, and KOH
1%, reaction temperature at room temperature and reaction
time 5 hours. The optimum process parameters were molar
Fig. 1. Photograph for 30 gal /day Capacity Biodiesel Pilot Plant
ratio of methanol to oil 6:1 and molar ratio of ethanol to oil
8:1. It is concluded ethanol has to put more than methanol
because methanol has more reactivity. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
In the laboratory scale, the physical properties of biodiesel
The author would also like to express her deep appreciation
from jatropha oil with methanol, and with ethanol were found
to her supervisor Professor Dr. Mya Mya Oo, Pro-rector and
to be within the ASTM specified limits. The chemical
Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, Yangon
properties such as total glycerol, free glycerol and combined
Technological University, for her invaluable guidance,
glycerol were slightly higher than ASTM specified limit.
support, understanding, and unfailing kindness throughout a
The fuel consumption of biodiesel from jatropha oil in lab
long period of study and research work.
scale and petrodiesel were given the same data according to
The author is also grateful to Daw Moe Moe Kyaw,
the engine performance test. The used speed of engine was
Lecturer, Department of Chemical Engineering, Yangon
2240 rpm and the power output was 11.1 kW. The exhaust
Technological University, for giving helpful guidance and
temperature of engine from biodiesel and the exhaust
stimulating discussions over the course of her studies. The
temperature of engine from petrodiesel were 469°C and
author wishes to express her deep gratitude to His Excellency
473°C respectively. Biodiesel preparation on pilot plant
Minister U Thaung, Ministry of Science and Technology, for
operation were carried out by applying the optimum process
sponsor this research work.
parameters of the lab scale operation such as concentration of
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 PROCEEDINGS OF WORLD ACADEMY OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY VOLUME 38 FEBRUARY 2009 ISSN: 2070-3740

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