Production of biodiesel from TGX-1778 soybeans (glycine max) by sodium hydroxide-catalyzed transesterification

Fubara-Manuel, Isoteim; Jumbo, Raphael Butler

Abstract

This study investigated the potential of a Nigerian-grown soyabean (TGX-1778) to produce biodiesel.
The Soybeans at room temperature, were dehulled, ground to a powdery form, and the oil extracted by
Soxhlet extraction method using n-Hexane. 50 ml of the Soybean oil extract and 0.5 g of NaOH were
charged into three different reactors labeled A, B, and C, and transesterified in turn with 50, 100, and 150
ml of methanol respectively. Results showed that transesterification with 50, 100, and 150ml of methanol
produced biodiesel of densities 0.79, 0.80, and 0.77g/ml respectively, while the corresponding kinematic
viscosities at 400C were 4.4, 4.6 and 4.1mm2/s. Other parameters of the biodiesel were refractive index,
which ranged from 1.33 to 1.34, pH from 8.5 to 9.6, cloud point (<-320C), pour point (-520C) and flash
point (1500C). Comparison with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6571 standard
indicated that the densities were outside the specified range, while kinematic viscosities were within the
acceptable limit. Furthermore, the flash point of the biodiesel produced was higher that the specified
minimum level. It was also observed that increasing the methanol quantity from 50 to 150ml, resulted in
an increase in biodiesel produced. On the whole, therefore, the oil from the locally grown soybean has a
great potential for biodiesel production.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 8, 2014
• Online Publication Date: Dec 15, 2014
• Publication Date: Dec 15, 2014
• Deposit Date: May 16, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Agricultural Engineering and Technology (JAET)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 22
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 128 - 132
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11997359
• Publisher URL: https://nigeriareposit.nln.gov.ng/server/api/core/bitstreams/22664249-1dcc-49d2-8574-f73679944fef/content