Optimization of Karanja oil transesterification

Abstract

Production of biodiesel through transesterification of Karanja (<i style="">Pongamia pinnata</i>) oil was studied. The Karanja oil was treated with a lower alcohol (methanol) in the presence of a base catalyst (KOH) to yield methyl esters of fatty acids (biodiesel) and glycerin. The influences of reaction temperature, molar ratio of alcohol to oil, amount of catalyst and reaction time on the product yield were studied. The optimal combination of operating parameters for maximum yield was found out using Taguchi’s method. The performance and emission tests were carried out in a four stroke single cylinder, Kirloskar Av1 D.I.Engine. Different blends of biodiesel with conventional diesel were tested. The results show an appreciable reduction in emission level and marginal increase in performance when compared with sole fuel. The results concluded that the biodiesel from Karanja oil can be used as an effective alternate in existing diesel engines without any engine hardware modifications.