Petrodiesel Blend Study for Biodiesel Production from Bauhinia variegata Seed Oil

Abstract

The present study focuses on the microwave-assisted transesterification (MAT) employed in Bauhinia variegate (BV) biodiesel production in a shorter reaction time with a better yield. The oil was extracted and characterized for physiochemical, fatty acid composition, and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The lower acid value (<2) indicated that the oil can be processed to the transesterification process. MAT was optimized for maximum biodiesel production using the statistical tool with maximum biodiesel yield of 96.83% at the optimum condition of oil to methanol ratio – 1:7 (v/v), catalyst concentration – 1 (wt%), power – 450 W at 10 min. The result was well in agreement with the physicochemical properties of ASTM D6751 standard prescribed limits. Nevertheless, the BV diesel physiochemical properties were higher than that of petrodiesel. It is then blended with petrodiesel to investigate the calorific value, density, kinematic viscosity, flash point, cloud and pour point. It was found that up to 20% biodiesel blending gives close results with petrodiesel properties. From experimental results, the MAT process was efficient in a shorter time technique for BV biodiesel production. This beneficial approach leads to reducing the production cost of biodiesel in a continuous mode.