Production and Characterization of Biodiesel from Rapeseed Oil through Optimization of Transesterification Reaction Conditions

In this study, biodiesel fuel was produced from rapeseed oil via transesterification method. The optimum reaction conditions were determined by varying alcohol type and its concentration considering their influence on the yield and properties of produced biodiesel. Methanol and ethanol were alcohol used in the transesterification process. The density of biodiesel was measured at 15 °C according to EN ISO 12185 test method and its viscosity was determined at 40 °C by using a Brookfield digital viscometer (DV-II+ Pro). Shimadzu Auto-Calculating Bomb calorimeter CA-4AJ was used to measure the high heating value. The optimum transesterification conditions found were alcohol:oil ratio of 18:1, 1% of potassium hydroxide as catalyst, 60 min of reaction time, 60 °C of reaction temperature and stirring speed of 650 rpm. Biodiesel properties under these conditions satisfied the regulatory standards and are slightly similar to those of mineral diesel tested in same conditions. Using methanol gives better results compared to ethanol.