Biodiesel with Decreased Viscosity Produced from Crude Palm Oil

Abstract

Studies were carried out on transesterification of crude palm oil with methanol for biodiesel production. The reaction parameters such as alcohol/oil molar ratio, catalyst concentration, temperature, degumming and washing processes were optimized for crude palm oil. The fatty acid methyl ester contents in the reaction mixture were quantified by Cannon Automatic Viscometer (CAV-2000), and the Automatic Flash Point and Inductive Coupled Plasma Spectrometer (ICPS-9000). The optimum alcohol/ oil molar ratio was 9:1. The flash point value of the product was more than 120°C. The catalyst concentration at 1% NaOCH₃ (v/v) and degumming of crude palm oil by 5% (v/v) phosphoric acid at 80°C for 1 hour decreased the viscosity of methyl ester from crude palm oil to 4.72 mm²/s which is lower than the standard viscosity set by the Energy Business Department.