Process Optimization for Biodiesel Synthesis From Jatropha Curcas Oil

Crude Jatropha Curcas Oil (CJCO) obtained from the seeds grown in the Western Ghat section of South India was investigated for biodiesel production using one step alkali catalyzed transesterification. The reactions were conducted at 400 rpm agitation rate for 1 hour. Different methanol to oil molar ratios (5.5:1, 6:1, 6.75:1, 7.5:1 and 8:1), catalyst to oil ratios (1.43, 1.68, 1.85, 2.1, 2.35 and 2.52 %w/w of oil) and reaction temperatures (50°C to 70°C) were employed to investigate their effect on biodiesel yield. The maximum yield of 80.5% was obtained at the optimum methanol to oil molar ratio of 7.5:1, catalyst to oil ratio of 2.09%w/w of oil and reaction temperature 60°C. The physiochemical properties of the biodiesel produced meet the ASTM standards. The reason for the low yield was observed as the high free fatty acid content (13.7 mg KOH/g of oil) in the Crude Jatropha Curcas oil. A biodiesel fueled four-stroke diesel engine-generator set yielded an overall fuel-to-electricity efficiency of 24.38% at maximum load condition, thus showing the possibility of utilization of CJCO derived fuel in diesel engines.