The Optimum Production Parameters of Methyl Ester From Acorn Kernel Oil

Abstract

In this article, the production of biodiesel through transesterification of acorn (Quercus frainetto L.) kernel oil was studied. Acorn kernel oil with high free fatty acid content was used as feedstock to produce biodiesel. Two stages were used to produce biodiesel after obtaining the acorn kernel oil in the presence of a base catalyst (KOH) to yield methyl esters of fatty acids and glycerin. The various process variables such as alcohol:oil molar ratio, reaction temperature, catalyst concentration, and reaction time were optimized with the objective of producing acorn kernel oil biodiesel with maximum yield. The optimum conditions for transesterification of acorn kernel oil with methanol and KOH as catalyst were stated as 50 degrees C reaction temperature, 1 h reaction time, 8:1 molar ratio of acorn kernel oil to alcohol, and 1% catalyst (w/w). All of the other measured fuel properties of the acorn kernel methyl ester met the international standards EN 14214. Thus, the produced acorn kernel oil methyl ester was characterized to be used as a fuel in engines. (c) 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 625-628, 2014