Refining the Production of Biodiesel from Coconut Seed Oil

ABSTRACT

Coconut seeds have been investigated for their possible use as a biodiesel feedstock. Coconut seed oil was extracted using the soxhlet method, yielding 67.2% of the total oil content. In order to develop and optimise a biodiesel synthesis process, the effects of varying parameters on oil extracted from coconut seeds were investigated. These parameters included the methanol-to-oil ratio, the concentration of the catalyst, the reaction temperature, and the reaction time. Based on the models predictions, the optimal conditions for biodiesel generation are a 6:1 alcohol/oil ratio, 1% catalyst concentration (KOH), 650C reaction temperature, and 40 minutes of reaction time (79 percent). The molar ratio had less of an effect on biodiesel generation than the catalyst concentration and reaction time, within the range of values studied. Biodiesels fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profile and other physical and chemical characteristics were analysed using GC-MS. The fuel properties of biodiesel showed that, with the exception of the cetane number, diesel index, and sulphur level, all other calculated parameters were within the ASTM criteria, demonstrating its high viability as an alternative fuel source.

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