Preparation of biodiesel from crude oil of Pongamia pinnata

Bioresour Technol. 2005 Sep;96(13):1425-9. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2004.12.011. Epub 2005 Feb 17.

Abstract

Biodiesel was prepared from the non-edible oil of Pongamia pinnata by transesterification of the crude oil with methanol in the presence of KOH as catalyst. A maximum conversion of 92% (oil to ester) was achieved using a 1:10 molar ratio of oil to methanol at 60 degrees C. Tetrahydrofuran (THF), when used as a co-solvent increased the conversion to 95%. Solid acid catalysts viz. Hbeta-Zeolite, Montmorillonite K-10 and ZnO were also used for this transesterification. Important fuel properties of methyl esters of Pongamia oil (Biodiesel) compare well (Viscosity = 4.8 Cst @ 40 degrees C and Flash point = 150 degrees C) with ASTM and German biodiesel standards.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biotechnology / methods*
  • Energy-Generating Resources*
  • Furans / chemistry
  • Hydroxides / chemistry
  • Methanol / chemistry
  • Millettia / chemistry*
  • Plant Oils / chemistry*
  • Potassium Compounds / chemistry
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Furans
  • Hydroxides
  • Plant Oils
  • Potassium Compounds
  • tetrahydrofuran
  • potassium hydroxide
  • Methanol