Study Production Process of Biodiesel from Alexandrian Laurel Seed Oil (Calophyllum inophyllum L.).

Abstract

National fossil fuel consumption is increasing. In 2004, solar consumption rise to 26,9 billion liters, at 2010 is predicted to rise to 34,71 billion liters. The consumption of fossil inbalance with its production, this performance need to overcome by looking for an alternative energy resources. Palm oil, jatropha and calophyllum were some of agriculture abundant available in Indonesia. The jatropha used was constrained by a low oil production, average oil production is 1.892 liters/ha/year. Whereas palm oil is 5.950 liters/ha/year, however it compete with food needs and other oleochemical product. The use of calophyllum give an advantage as its production of 100 kg (220 lb) nuts/tree/year or 4.585 kg oil/ha/year. Although the oil has a high acid value and takes longer time that is 7 or 8 years before fruit production. The research was done by combining the process that is esterification, transesterification and netralization to produce oil to meet the SNI standard (number 04-7182-2006). The purpose of this research was to determine the molar ratio of methanol in esterification, and esterification time to obtain oil with low acid value. The esterification conditions than combine with transesterification and netralization in order to produce biodiesel that meet the standard requirement. The best oil produced from esterification was obtained by applying molar ratio methanol of 20:1 in 60 minute, the acid value of oil was 2,97 mg KOH/g feed. The best process combination to produce biodiesel obtained by esterificationnetralization- transesterification (E1NT) applying molar ratio methanol of 20:1 in 60 minute. Its gave acid value 0,71 mg KOH/g feed, kinematic viskosity 2,59 cSt, density 0,89 g/ml, water content 0,05% and yield 47,76%.