Characterization of Biodiesel Quality from Palm Oil Based on Different Set of Temperature Level by Using Circulation Reactor

Abstract

The characterization of biodiesel quality from palm oil based on different set of temperature level by using circulation reactor has been investigated. The research was done in 2 phases. The first experiment was done to characterize raw material to decide the following reaction step. The main research was done in 3 temperature conditions (50, 60, and 70 oC) with interval of 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, and 90 minutes. Molar ratio of methanol to oil at 6:1 and KOH catalyst was 1% of oil weights. Data processing used split plot randomized complete design and continued by Duncan test as necessary. Biodiesel preparation was done with one transesterification step, since free fatty acid contents of palm oil was low (0,32%). The result indicated that the higher the temperature and reaction time the higher the biodiesel quality, based on the lower the acid value, viscosity, total and combined glycerol, and high on methyl esters content. The acid value on temperature 50, 60, and 70 oC was 0,44; 0,41; and 0,40 mg KOH/g, the value of total glycerol was 0,33; 0,29; and 0,26%, and combined glycerol was 0,32; 0,27; and 0,25%, the viscosity was 13,59; 12,34; and 11,94 cSt, the density was 864,5; 864,8; and 862,7 kg/m3, and methyl esters content was 99,05; 99,13; and 99,23%, respectively. Based on data analysis, the optimum condition of circulation reactor was 15 minutes for 70 oC, 20 minutes for 60 oC, and 30 minutes for 50 oC.