Comparative Evaluation of a Developed Batch Reactor Using Various Feedstock

The performance evaluation of a developed batch reactor using beniseed oil, fresh vegetable oil, and waste vegetable oil is presented. The transesterification process was used on samples of each feedstock at different reaction temperature and time while methanol and sodium hydroxide were used as the reagent and catalyst respectively. Optimum yield obtained at 55°C and 50 minutes gave the value of 1.65 litres of biodiesel for beniseed, 1.97 litres of biodiesel for fresh vegetable palm oil and 1.81 litres of biodiesel for waste vegetable palm oil. The yield of the by product (Glycerol) was maximum at the reaction time and temperature of 70 minutes and 60°C respectively. Characterization test results showed that the produced biodiesel has similar fuel properties with the conventional diesel and agrees with the ASTM standards for biodiesel. The outcome shows that the various feedstock are good sources for biodiesel production using the developed batch reactor.