Bio-diesel Production from Residual Sunflower Oil by Trans-esterification (Acidic, Alkaline Enzymatic) and Analysis of Some of Its Physico-chemical Parameters

Aims: Recycling of residual sunflower oil for bio-diesel production, determination, and comparison with some of the physico-chemical parameters with the jatropha bio-diesel and ASTM D6751and EN 14214 standards.

Study Design: Experimental observation with production of bio-diesel and characterization of some analytical parameters.

Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Jnana Barathi Campus, Bangalore University, Bengaluru 560056, July 2015 to June 2016, India.

Methodology: Acidic, Alkaline and Enzymatic trans-esterification was carried out with the residual sunflower oil for bio-diesel production by using the catalysts: HCl, NaOH and immobilized lipase enzyme (Hi-media RM1265) respectively. Some physico-chemical parameters of bio-diesel obtained in these processes were compared with the jatropha bio-diesel and ASTM, EN standards. The efficiency of the bio-diesel of the residual sunflower oil was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique (FTIR).

Results: The bio-diesel produced from residual sunflower oil by three different processes was analyzed for physico-chemical parameters: Density, Viscosity, Acid value, Cetane number, Iodine value and Flash point. By comparing these parameters with referral jatropha bio-diesel and ASTM D6751, PS121, EN 14214. The Cetane number (CN) responsible for auto-ignition of the sunflower bio-diesel was found to be more than 50 CN when compared with the jatropha bio-diesel (CN=47-50). The efficiency of the bio-diesel was assessed by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique. This showed that alkaline method was more effective when compared to the acidic and enzymatic methods in terms of more fatty acid ester formation.

Conclusion: The study parameters of produced bio-diesel from residual sunflower oil evinced suitability for recycling purpose. Alkaline trans-esterification method for bio-diesel production was cost effective and efficient as per Fatty Acid Methylesters content (FAMEs). Hence, it lays a foundation for the further research to utilize residual sunflower oil as an alternative fuel.