The Effect of Using Zeolite as Catalyst in Esterification process of Jatropha Curcas Oil to Yield and Biodiesel Qualities

Abstract

This research is divided in three steps: raw material preparation, introductary research and main research. In the first step, the process of activation is done in natural zeolite by using heating method and degumming process to Jatropha curcas oil with heating and acidic method. The purpose of introductary research is to find type and concentration of zeolite which gives the best result in esterification process. In this step the randomize complete factorial experiment with two factor is used as experimental design th etype of zeolite (Z) as the first factor and the concentration of zeolite (A) as the second one. The Z factor consist of two level natural zeolite and activated zeolite, whereas factor A consist of three level: 1%, 2% and 3%(b/b) to oil. In the main research, zeolite as a catalyst in esterification process is used for several times and the effects of reusing it was evaluated to yield and biodeisesl qualities. Every reused, zeolite firstly washed with water and alkohol. Biodiesel qualities is decided by yield measurement and analyzing the acid number, saponification number, esters number, visitory and density.