The Production of Biodiesel From A Bastard Poom Feedstock

Abstract

This study was conducted on the production of biodiesel from bastard poom via transesterification with potassium hydroxide as the catalyst. Certain experimental conditions were set for determining the maximum biodiesel produced. The most appropriate methanol solvent per bastard poom found was 1:4 by volume and 2 mass per unit volume of potassium hydroxide at 60°C for 30 min. The amount of biodiesel obtained was 88.56% by mass of crude oil. The following fuel properties were noted: the biodiesel had a golden yellow color without any residue. Its cloud point was at 2.4°C, the pour point at –1°C, the density at 15°C of 890 kg/m³ , and the flash point at over 290°C. The acid value was 0.49 mgKOH−g, the water content was 610 mg−kg, combustion heating value was roughly 38,590 kJ−kg, the viscosity was 5.68 mm²−s at 40°C, and copper corrosion was at 1A level. The analysis of water property of biodiesel from bastard poom showed its properties within Thai biodiesel standards. This indicates that bastard poom is suitable for developing as an alternative fuel.

Keywords:

• Bastard poom
• Biodiesel
• Alternative fuel