Kariya Biodiesel Process Optimization Using Kariya Pod-husks Bio-catalyzed

In this study, biodiesel was produced from underutilized kariya oilseed using ethanol in the presence of kariya pod-husks bio-catalyst. The oil used was extracted through the soxhlet solvent extraction approach. Transesterification of kariya seed oil was investigated using Central Composite Design (CCD) of Response surface methodology. Process factors such as reaction temperature (65, 70, and 85oC), reaction time (2, 3, and 4 h), and ethanol/kariya oil molar ratio (8:1, 10:1, and 12:1) were modeled based on CCD experimental design. The fuel properties of biodiesel produced, and its blends with petrol-diesel were determined. The average yield of extracted kariya oil was 32.55 wt. %. Based on the results, biodiesel yield of 94.41 wt.% was obtained at optimal conditions; a temperature of 75oC, time of 2 h, and ethanol: oil mole ratio of 10:1 at catalyst loading of 5 wt.%. The physicochemical and fuel properties of produced biodiesel and its blend were well within American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D6751) standard and compared favorably with petrol-diesel.