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Title: Biodiesel From Canola Oil Using a 1:1 Mole Mixture of Methanol and Ethanol

Author
item JOSHI, HEM - CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
item WALKER, TERRY - CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
item Moser, Bryan

Submitted to: Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/16/2009
Publication Date: 5/3/2009
Citation: Joshi, H., Walker, T., Moser, B.R. 2009. Biodiesel from canola oil using a 1:1 mole mixture of methanol and ethanol [abstract]. 31st Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals Symposium. p. 72.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Canola oil was transesterified using a 1:1 mole mixture of methanol and ethanol (M/E) with potassium hydroxide (KOH) catalyst. Effect of catalyst concentration (0.5 to 1.5% wt/wt), mole ratio of M/E to canola oil (3:1 to 20:1) and reaction temperature (25 to 75°C) on the percentage yield measured after 2.5 and 5.0 minutes were optimized using a central composite design. Maximum percentage yield of 98 % was predicted for catalyst concentration of 1.1 wt % and M/E to canola oil mole ratio of 20:1 at 25°C at 2.5 minutes, whereas a maximum percentage yield of 99% was predicted for a catalyst concentration of 1.15 wt % and all mole ratios of reactants at 25°C at 5 minutes. Statistical analysis demonstrated that, increasing catalyst concentration and mole ratio of reactants resulted in curvilinear and linear trends in percentage yield, both at 2.5 minutes and 5 minutes. However, reaction temperature, which affected percentage yield at 2.5 minutes linearly, was insignificant at 5 minutes. The resultant mixed methyl/ethyl canola esters exhibited enhanced low temperature performance and lubricity properties in comparison to neat canola oil methyl esters and also satisfied ASTM D 6751 and EN 14214 standards with respect to oxidation stability, kinematic viscosity, and acid value.