Biodiesel production by transmethylation of Nigerian palm kernel oil

Abstract

The need for this study arose from the recent energy crisis coupled with the huge potential that Nigeria has for the production of Palm Kernel Oil (PKO). Locally produced PKO was chemically modified (methanolysis) to produce PKO-based biodiesel. The reaction temperature and the catalyst loading were maintained at 60 o C and 1.0% weight of oil, respectively. The methanol to oil molar ratio was kept at 6: 1. The production of PKO-based biodiesel (at 60 o C for 1.5 hours) by transmethylation process in the presence of NaOH as catalyst yielded crude products, Glycerol and biodiesel. Subsequently, PKO (parent oil), automotive gas oil (AGO) and PKO methyl esters transesterified were characterized to determine their properties and suitability as fuels in Compression Ignition Engine (CIE). Results of the transmethylated PKO showed that properties such as viscosity (3.359 cSt), specific gravity (0.8728), water content (nil) and flash point (100 o C) conformed to standards (ASTM, BIS). Properties of the PKO biodiesel were comparable with properties of AGO. Emissions assessment showed that CO concentration was reduced by 30% when PKO biodiesel was used in CIE compared with AGO. Hence, PKO-based biodiesel has a promising prospect for partial or total replacement for petro-diesel in CIE.