Biodiesel production from Karanja oil

Abstract

<smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"><smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"> Import dependence for oil in India, which is about 70 per cent, is likely to increase further. The study is initiated to investigate the potential of Karanja oil as a source of biodiesel. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from renewable biological resources such as, vegetable oil and animal fat. It is completely biodegradable and non-toxic. Main objectives of the study are feasibility of Karanja oil for the production of biodiesel, optimization of different parameters for high yield/conversion of Karanja oil to biodiesel. Optimum conditions were found to be: Pressure 1 atmos, Temperature 68-70 ^oC, Reactant ratio 8-10 (Moles of MeOH: Moles of oil), Reaction time 30-40 min, Catalyst (KOH) 1.5 per cent w/w. Tests were also conducted to compare the biodiesel with diesel fuel in terms of engine performance and emissions. </smarttagtype></smarttagtype>