Biodiesel production from highly viscous seed oils

Diverse studies have suggested use of non-edible plant oils in production of biodiesel. However, direct use of biodiesel produced from seed oils causes numerous diesel engine problems. This is due to high free fatty acids, high viscosity and lower flash point, which in turn increases cloud point and pour point in biodiesel. Therefore, in the present studies high free fatty acids containing and highly viscous oils (Pongamia pinnata, Azadirachta indica, Madhuca indica, Celastrus paniculatus and Moringa oleifera) were selected for standardization of transesterification reaction for biodiesel production. Various transesterification conditions required for production of standard biodiesel from each seed oil sample were tested. After, transesterification and purification of biodiesel physicochemical parameters (kinematic viscosity Acid number, density, cloud point, flash point and pour point) of each biodiesel samples were analyzed. Characterization of methyl esters was also carried out using GC-MS analysis. From the above analysis it was concluded that the optimum transesterification condition required for production of standard biodiesel from highly viscous oil samples was oil: methanol ratio of 1:25 V/V, 80UC temperature and 1% KOH as catalyst.