Chemical engineering Lab 201

Production of biodiesel by homogeneously catalysed transesterification refined from

coconut oil and waste cooking oil

MO Khumalo, AK Ndwandwe and T Lehula

22021337@dut4life.ac.za
22048651@dut4life.ac.za
22032271@dut4life.ac.za

Group 10

Submission Date: August 2023

Lecture: Dr M Ntuka
Supervisor: Dr N Mthombheni

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for Chemical

Engineering Laboratory 2B in the Department of Chemical Engineering,
Durban University of Technology
Statement of Authorship

Student name and Section(s) completed Student Signature Date

number
A.K. Ndwandwe, Introduction 07 August 2023
22048651 Objectives
Methodology
References

M.O. Khumalo, Introduction 07 August 2023

22021337 Objectives
Resources
Gantt Chart
References

T. Lehula, 22032271 Introduction 07 August 2023

Objectives
Approach
References

The students above declare that:

 The information contained in this report is our own work unless otherwise noted.
 This report was not submitted for a degree or examination at another university.
 This report does not contain data, images, graphics, or other information from other persons
unless specifically identified as originating from other persons.
 This report does not contain writings of other persons unless they are specifically identified as
coming from other researchers. If other written sources have been cited, then:
a) Their words have been paraphrased, but the general information attributed to them
has been referenced,
b) Where their exact words are begun utilized, their information has been enclosed in
quotation marks and referenced.
 This report does not contain any text, graphs, or tables that have been copied and pasted
from the internet or from different sources unless specifically noted and the source is
indicated in the paper and references.
Introduction

The rapid rate of urbanization, the accompanying rapid increase in human population and of
vehicles and the subsequent expansion of economic activities in major towns and cities in
Africa have led to increased demand for fossil fuels including gasoline and increased
emissions of carbon pollutants (Ziramba, Kumo and Akinboade, 9201). This results to the
expands of the fuel utilization causes the threat to the environment. Over the last few
decades, residues from various agricultural industries have been investigated for their
energy-rich wastes and whether value-added products can be created from these (Sahoo et
al., 2018). The rational rise of waste affects the environment, we were motivated to
agricultural product and waste to produce the biodiesel which makes pupils life more
sustainable. The use of biodiesel has varies benefits in human life and also in the
environment mainly, it is renewable and sustainable, reduced greenhouse gas discharge, air
quality becomes cleaner, fossil fuel dependency decreases, job creation and economic
growth and many more.

Mostly the diesel used in our everyday life is produced/ refined from crude oil, a non-
renewable energy resource of which is a non-biodegradable fuel. and it has many negative
impacts on our social standards such as the environmental impacts which mostly releases
harmful emissions that lead to high pollution and decreases the air quality. There is a large
amount of carbon dioxide emitted due to diesel combustion which has a huge impact on
global warming and climate change, the carbon footprint increases the environmental issues
and long-term planet sustainability. Diesel used in our everyday life has an adverse impact
on human health due to diesel exhaust emissions and if one is exposed for longer periods
they may suffer from respiratory problems and in most cases, most suffer from lung cancer.

Using coconut oil and waste cooking oil to produce biodiesel has a huge impact to the
environment since it is a renewable energy source that can be found from vegetables and
utilizes the waste product such as waste cooking oil. Its production is non dependant on the
fossil fuels or crude oil, and it is sustainable energy. It reduces the carbon footprint and
emits fewer to non-greenhouse gases helping reduce the issue of global warming and
climate change. A wider range use of biodiesel will have a huge impact in reducing
emissions leading to lower air pollution and increased air quality and improves health on
people who are situated in industrial areas with most of the transportation commuters. The
production of this biodiesel will lead to increased demands of coconut and vegetable oil thus
increasing the economic demand from farmers who produces most of the raw materials.

A basic catalyst that should be sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH)
have to utilized with methanol or ethanol as well has any part of oil, refine, crude or frying.
For alkali catalyst in the work conducted previously, it can be said that the alcohol–oil molar
ratio that should be used varies from N = 1:1–6:1. However N = 6:1 is the most used ratio
giving an important conversion for the alkali catalyst without using a great amount of alcohol
(Marchetti, Miguel and Errazu, 2007). Methanol and ethanol are usually the type of alcohol
used. Ethanol has fewer safety problem has it is less toxic. The amount of catalyst that
should be added to the reactor varies from 0.5% to 1% w/w [3,5], but some authors prefer
advice any values between 0.005% and 0.35% w/w [1] should be used (Marchetti, Miguel
and Errazu, 2007). The reaction standard value must take place is 60°C, it depends on the
type of the catalyst temperature difference has it is given by the degree of conversion, and
that results to the temperature rage of 25 to 120°C. The alkali process is more efficient and
less corrosive compared to the acid process making it the most preferrable catalyst to be
used in the industries.
The following restrictions will put a limit on this study project. Quantitative research
approaches often call for large sample sizes. However, this type of extended study or
experiment is impractical for repeatability due to the scarcity of resources (coconut oil and
vegetable oil) as a result of excessively expensive prices. The time allotted to the students
for conducting the experiment is another factor that will be a restricting factor for this
research project due to academic requirements.

Objectives

 The production of biodiesel from coconut oil and waste cooking oil by a
homogeneously catalysed transesterification.

 For this research the process variables are to be watched and how they affect the
production of biodiesel by transesterification and the process variables that are to be.

Reaction Temperature

This process variable is a very valuable variable for the succession of the production of
biodiesel since it determines the reaction time and thus the reaction temperature for such
process lies from temperature range of 25°C to 60 ℃ with the increasing temperature
increases the production speed of the products and thus the yield and quality at higher
temperature such as 55°C are determined the best quality and yield of the production
process and the efficiency of the production is at its peak, but at higher temperatures the
produced products may be undesirable and thus decreasing the yield of the biodiesel and
the efficiency of production will be at its lowest making the quality of the product to be low
quality biodiesel.

Molar Ratio of Alcohol to Oil

Since we are producing the biodiesel by transesterification, alcohol use is essential in most
cases the alcohol used is either methanol or ethanol depending on the alcohol available.
Alcohol has to be at least in excess for the production of biodiesel id to be efficient since in
most cases the ratio of alcohol to oil is usually the alcohol having a larger ratio thus
increasing the yield of the biodiesel and completing the reaction process. Using too much
alcohol ratio to oil decreases the yield biodiesel produced with the difficulties arising since it
becomes difficult to separate the biodiesel product to the byproducts of the process thus
decreasing the efficiency of the reaction process of producing biodiesel.

Stirring Speed

Producing the biodiesel relies as well on the stirring speed since some process variables
depend on it such as the reaction time, since the mixing of the alcohol and the oil will take
time to produce our desired biodiesel. Increasing the stirring speed will surely decrease the
reaction time and increase the biodiesel yields. And for effective mixing reactants it is
essential to have a higher mixing speed and the maximum mixing speed for such production
is around 650rpm and thus this speed will surely yield the biodiesel at faster rate and will
increase the efficiency of the process.
Reaction Time

This is the reference of the duration of production of biodiesel by transesterification

happening, this affects the yield of biodiesel in terms such as the longer the reaction time the
more efficient the process can be and much more quality can be produced since an
adequate mixing of reactants is to take place and a complete transesterification will be
presented. But a longer reaction time would lead to decreased quality production of the
biodiesel since impurities will surely form thus making the efficiency of the production
process irrelevant.

Producing biodiesel by transesterification also have a lot of other process variables that can
hinder or play a role in receiving high yields of production as well as producing biodiesel that
meets the quality standards of the modern-day biodiesel. Such transesterification processing
variables are the catalyst concentration and surely the quality of the proposed coconut oil or
waste oil provided can hinder the yields and quality of the biodiesel production. Conducting a
study on how to optimize the process variables so to give us high yields and efficient
process is essential.

Hypothesis

Producing biodiesel refined from coconut oil and waste cooking oil will normally operate
under the temperature range of 25°C to 60°C and usually around 55°C the production
efficiency and yield is expected to be at its peak at the reaction stirring speed of around 600
rpm. With the reaction expected to take about

Important Terms

Approach

For the production of biodiesel refined from coconut oil using homogeneously catalysed
transesterification, will require a lot of knowledge regarding the production process. Recent
information about the studied production process was used mostly to understand further
steps to proceed with the production of biodiesel refined from coconut oil and waste cooking
oil by transesterification.
 Commencing the production of biodiesel will begin by choosing which oil to use
and for this process the coconut oil and waste cooking oil are selected as the
feedstock to refine biodiesel from.
 Pre-treating the feedstock is an essential step since it will remove all the
impurities from the oils and especially the waste cooking oil might have moisture
present as well as fatty acids.
 Selecting a reactor to contain, prepare and produce the biodiesel in means of
mixing/ agitating together the oils and the alcohol as the presented reactants for
the reaction. A batch, semi batch or continuous flow reactor may be selected for
use.
 Selecting a catalyst to use is essential and most effective catalyst for the
transesterification biodiesel production, mostly sodium hydroxide or potassium
hydroxide are used catalysts for such process.
 Transesterification production of biodiesel refined from oil usually requires excess
alcohol for completion of production process, and mostly methanol or ethanol are
used to produce quality biodiesel by transesterification.
When all the required reactants, a catalyst and an appropriate reactor are presented,
optimizing, or making different experimental runs, while controlling the quality produced will
be essential to minimize waste and increase the efficiency of the process. For each run the
reactants will be measured at different ratios entering the reactor and the run with much
better quality, will be selected and two more runs will be made to have better understanding
of the variables’ s behaviour and how they vary under the same reactant’s ratio. After the
experiment is done, collection of data will be essential, so to continue with explaining the
results and have clear description of the biodiesel production using those parameters and
variables on such states and determining the yield biodiesel production of that process. After
the product and data collected, managing the glycerol of which is most likely the byproduct
of the process, taking the by product and storing it for the use of others will be essential as a
waste disposal method.
Methodology

Biodiesel production is influenced by various important variables that can impact the yield,
quality, and efficiency of the process. Understanding and controlling these variables are
crucial to ensure successful and sustainable biodiesel production. Here are some of key
variables: reaction time, reaction temperature, catalyst, alcohol (methanol), feedstock
(vegetable oil), stirring, PH level, molar ratio of alcohol to oil, and water content.
Collecting relevant data during the production of biodiesel using coconut oil and waste
cooking oil is essential for process optimization, quality control, and compliance with
regulations. The data collected can be broadly categorized into several key aspects. Below
is a description of the data that should be collected during the production process:

1. Feedstock characteristics:
 Coconut oil: data related to the coconut oil used as a feedstock should
include its specific gravity, acid value, free fatty acid content, moisture
content, and other relevant properties.
 Waste cooking oil: for waste cooking oil, data should include properties such
as specific gravity, acid value, water content, and presence of impurities.

2. Alcohol and Catalyst Information:

 Methanol: For the alcohol used in the transesterification reaction, record the
purity level, quantity used, and any specific properties that might impact the
reaction kinetics.
 Catalyst: Note the type of catalyst used (e.g., sodium hydroxide or potassium
hydroxide), its concentration, and the amount used in the process.

3. Reaction Parameters:
 Reaction Temperature: Measure and record the temperature during the
transesterification reaction, as it can affect the rate of reaction and the yield of
biodiesel.
 Reaction Time: Keep track of the duration of the transesterification reaction,
as it affects the extent of conversion.
 Molar Ratio of Alcohol to Oil: Note the stoichiometric molar ratio of alcohol to
coconut oil and waste cooking oil used in the reaction.

4. Biodiesel Yield and Quality:

 Biodiesel Yield: Calculate the percentage yield of biodiesel obtained from the
transesterification process based on the amount of feedstock used.
 Quality Parameters: Measure key properties of the biodiesel, such as
viscosity, density, flash point, cetane number, acid value, moisture content,
and other fuel quality specifications. Compare the results with relevant
biodiesel standards.

5. Glycerol Separation and Impurities:

 Glycerol Content: Determine the amount of glycerol produced during the
transesterification process as a byproduct.
 Impurities: Monitor the presence of any impurities in the biodiesel, which can
impact its quality and performance.
Collecting data during biodiesel production using coconut oil and waste cooking oil involves
employing various methods to measure and record the relevant parameters accurately.
Below are descriptions of data collection methods for different aspects of the production
process:

1. Feedstock Characterization:

 Specific Gravity: Use a hydrometer or digital density meter to measure the

specific gravity of coconut oil and waste cooking oil.
 Acid Value and Free Fatty Acid (FFA) Content: Conduct acid value
determination using titration methods with a standardized alkali solution (e.g.,
potassium hydroxide). Convert the acid value to FFA percentage.
 Moisture Content: Utilize a moisture analyzer or conduct a gravimetric method
to determine the water content in the feedstock.
2. Reaction Parameters:
 Temperature Measurement: Use a thermometer to monitor the reaction
temperature.
 Reaction Time: Set timers or use a stopwatch to record the duration of the
transesterification reaction.

Data processing in biodiesel production using coconut oil and waste cooking oil involves
analyzing and interpreting the collected data to assess the efficiency, quality, and overall
performance of the production process. The data processing method generally includes the
following steps:

1. Data Validation: Ensure the accuracy and consistency of the data by cross-checking
entries, validating measurements against known standards, and identifying any
potential outliers or errors.

2. Calculation of Biodiesel Yield: Calculate the percentage yield of biodiesel obtained

from the transesterification reaction based on the weight or volume of biodiesel
produced and the amount of feedstock used.

3. Statistical Analysis: Perform statistical analysis on the data to identify trends,

variations, and correlations between different variables. Statistical tools can help
identify factors that significantly influence biodiesel yield and quality.

Biodiesel production from coconut oil and waste cooking oil is based on the principle of
transesterification that converts triglycerides present in vegetable oils into biodiesel and
glycerol. The process involves the use of alcohol (methanol) and a catalyst (typically sodium
hydroxide or potassium hydroxide) to facilitate the conversion. The premise of the methods
used in biodiesel production can be described as follows:

1. Transesterification Reaction: The primary method used in biodiesel production is the

transesterification reaction. The triglycerides in coconut oil and waste cooking oil
contain three fatty acid chains esterified to a glycerol molecule. In the presence of
alcohol and a catalyst, the transesterification reaction breaks these ester bonds, and
the fatty acids react with the alcohol to form biodiesel and glycerol as a byproduct.
 2. Process Optimization: The methods employed aim to optimize key parameters such
as reaction temperature, molar ratio of alcohol to oil, catalyst concentration, and
reaction time to maximize biodiesel yield and quality. The premise is to find the ideal
conditions that facilitate a complete and efficient conversion of the triglycerides to
biodiesel.

3. Alcohol Role: Methanol acts as the alcohol component in the reaction. It is the acyl
acceptor that reacts with the fatty acids, displacing the glycerol and forming the
esters that constitute biodiesel. The alcohol used must be of high purity to prevent
side reactions and ensure good biodiesel quality.

Analytical methods play a crucial role in biodiesel production using coconut oil and waste
cooking oil. These methods are used to assess the properties of the feedstock, monitor the
reaction process, and evaluate the quality of the biodiesel produced. Below are some
common analytical methods used in the biodiesel production process:

1. Glycerol and Impurity Analysis:

 Glycerol Content: Separate the glycerol from the biodiesel and measure its
quantity using gravimetric or volumetric methods to assess the completeness of
the transesterification reaction.
 Impurity Determination: Conduct filtration and gravimetric analysis to quantify any
impurities present in the biodiesel, which may affect its quality and performance.

2. Biodiesel Quality Analysis:

 Moisture Content: Analyze the moisture content in the biodiesel using a moisture
analyzer to ensure it is within acceptable limits.
 Acid Value: Employ titration methods to determine the acid value of the biodiesel,
which indicates its acidity and potential corrosiveness.

Resources

Data is gathered and measured on certain factors for this study using organised
experimentation. The following is a list of the materials and equipment required to carry out
an experiment, collect data, and assess outcomes:

 Heating mantle is also known as an isomantle, is a piece of laboratory equipment

used to deliver heat to containers for the reaction mixer.
 Magnetic stirrer bar is a laboratory apparatus that uses a rotating magnetic field to
stir a liquid by causing a stir bar (also known as a flea) to spin very quickly. A rotating
magnet or a group of stationary electromagnets positioned beneath the vessel
containing the liquid can provide the revolving field.
 Volumetric cylinder is used for estimating a liquid's (oil quantity) volume. Its form is
slender and cylindrical. The measured liquid amount is indicated by each marked line
on the graduated cylinder.
 Separation funnel a piece of scientific glassware used in liquid-liquid extractions to
separate the components of a mixture into two immiscible solvent phases of differing
densities, also known as a separation funnel, separating funnel, or colloquially
separation funnel. It is used to separate two liquids, such as biodiesel and glycerol,
and is typically made of glass.
  Thermometer is utilized to measure the temperature of the reaction mixture.
 pH meter determines the acidity or alkalinity of water-based solutions by measuring
the hydrogen-ion activity, which is represented as pH. The pH metre, also known as
a potentiometric pH metre, measures the difference in electrical potential between a
pH electrode and a reference electrode.
 Refractor meter is a field tool for determining a refractive index. Snell's law is used to
determine the index of refraction from the measured refraction angle. The index of
refraction for mixes then makes it possible to calculate the concentration using
mixing methods.
 Rotatory evaporator is a tool utilized to evaporate liquids effectively and gently from
samples.
 Scale is utilized to measure the mass of sample(s)
 Burette is a graduated glass tube with a tap at one end that is used, especially in
titrations, to dispense known volumes of liquid. A stopcock is located at the bottom
end of the long, graded glass tube, and a tapered capillary tube is located at the
stopcock's output. The stopcock valve regulates the liquid flow from the tube to the
burette tip.
 Volumetric flask is a sort of laboratory flask that is a piece of lab equipment calibrated
to hold a specific volume at a specific temperature. For precise dilutions and the
creation of standard solutions, volumetric flasks are employed.

The following is the list of the chemical/equipment for analytical analysis.

Volumetric flask
Volumetric cylinder
Dropper
Burettes
Scale
pH meter
Refractometer
Thermometer

With the help of a few key team members, it is possible to create a well-balanced team that
can think independently, take calculated risks, and combine their skills to make a project
simpler, more effective, and ultimately beneficial for everyone involved.

The key players in this project and their job descriptions:

1. Project Manager

Project manager is a professional who organizes, plans, and executes projects while
working within restraints like budgets and schedules. Project managers lead entire teams,
define project goals, communicate with stakeholders, and see a project through to its
closure. Whether running a marketing campaign, constructing a building, developing a
computer system, or launching a new product, the project manager is responsible for the
success or failure of the project (Coursera, 2022).

2. Project team members

Project team member is described as an interdependent group of people who collaborate to

achieve a common goal and who bear responsibility for particular organisational outcomes.
 3. Project coordinator/Assistant
A project management team member who supports project managers by managing
administrative chores, liaising with stakeholders, and ensuring the project team has access
to resources.”

4. Researcher/Scientist

A researcher's job is to do research using the scientific method to learn more about the
world around us. Typically, researchers are employed by either university or commercial
organisations. To support future research, enlarge the body of academic literature, and
enhance decision-making, researchers collect data over the course of a project, analyse the
data, and publish the findings.

5. Technical writers

The control of the uniformity of technical written content falls under the purview of technical
writers. Technical writing can be found in many corporate sectors, including marketing and
customer relations, due to its adaptable nature and high demand. Technical writers also help
research scientists and organisations with grant and proposal writing and create instruction
manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other papers that simplify the reader's
understanding of difficult and technical information.

Gantt Chart

Gantt Chart of the Project

24-July--23 02-Aug-23 11-Aug-23 25-Aug-23 04-Sep-23 15-Sep-23 25-Sep-23 10-Oct-23 23-Oct-23 03-Nov-23
Written Proposal
Proposal Presentation Setup
Proposal Presentation
Literature Review
Experimental Methodology
Interpretation of data
Results and Discussions
Final Written Report Draft
Final Report Presentation
Final Written Report Submission
Proposal
Final Report Final Written Results and Experimental Literature Proposal Presentation Written
Final Written Report Submission Presentation Report Draft Discussions Interpretation of Data Methadology Review Presentation Setup Proposal
Start date 26-Oct-23 06-Oct-23 05-Oct-23 26-Sep-23 26-Sep-23 16-Sep-23 03-Sep-23 16-Aug-23 16-Aug-23 26-Jul-23
Duration 7 7 11 35 35 7 14
References

Reference list
 Coursera (2022). What Is a Project Manager? A Career Guide. [online] Coursera.
Available at: https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-is-project-manager.

 Marchetti, J.M., Miguel, V.U. and Errazu, A.F. (2007). Possible methods for biodiesel
production. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 11(6), pp.1300–1311.
doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2005.08.006.

 Sahoo, R.K., Kumar, M., Mohanty, S., Sawyer, M., Rahman, P.K.S.M., Sukla, L.B.
and Subudhi, E. (2018). Statistical optimization for lipase production from solid waste
of vegetable oil industry. Preparative Biochemistry & Biotechnology, 48(4), pp.321–
326. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/10826068.2018.1431785.

 Ziramba, E., Kumo, W. and Akinboade, O. (9201). ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS

FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION IN AFRICA: AN ANALYSIS OF THE
EFFICACY OF FUEL TAXATION FOR POLLUTION CONTROL IN SOUTH AFRICA.
[online] Available at:
https://idl-bnc-idrc.dspacedirect.org/bitstream/handle/10625/42743/129977.pdf?
sequence=1&isAllowed=y [Accessed 1 Aug. 2023].