Effect of Reaction Variables on Biodiesel Production from Canary Melon Seed Oil

M.A. Sokoto; A.B. Muhammad; A. Sanda; S. Haruna; L.G. Hassan

Authors

M.A. Sokoto Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
A.B. Muhammad Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
A. Sanda Department of Biological Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
S. Haruna Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
L.G. Hassan Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

Keywords:

Canary melon, biodiesel, transesterification, Optimization, Fuel properties

Abstract

This study explored the effect of the reaction variables in biodiesel production from canary melon seed oil using transesterification method. Oil was extracted from canary melon using soxhlet extraction method and a yield of 51.03% was obtained. General Full Factorial design was used to study the effect of the reaction variables namely catalyst concentration, MeOH/oil ratio, reaction temperature and reaction time. The catalyst (NaOH) was used in varying concentrations ranging from 0.40 to 1.5 % (w/v). The molar ratios of methanol to oil studied were from 3:1 to 6:1. The reaction temperatures assessed were between 30 and 60° C. The reaction time was varied from 20 minutes to 60 minutes. The highest biodiesel yield (>86%) was obtained at reaction time of 60 minute when the MeOH/oil ratio was just slight over 3 cm3/g oil. Biodiesel was characterized for its fatty acid methyl ester profile using GC-MS which showed 9,12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (46.84%) as the major component. The fuel properties of the biodiesel revealed its suitability as an alternative fuel for diesel engines.