Production of chicken fat ethyl esters via optomized protocols with dry washing by silica gel

ABSTRACT

The chicken fat ethyl ester (CFEE) was developed through alkali-catalyzed transesterification with ethanol using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a catalyst. Parameters affecting the process of transesterification such as the catalyst concentration, ethanol to oil molar ratio, reaction temperature, and reaction duration are investigated. As a result, maximum CFEEs of 90% (~96.21 ester content% w/w) was obtained under optimal conditions of 1.0 wt.% KOH, 8:1 ethanol to fat molar ratio, a reaction temperature of 70°C, and a duration of 90 min. Dry washing method using (3.0% w/w) of silica gel was used to purify the crude ethyl ester from the residual catalyst, glycerol, and other impurities. Properties of the produced ethyl esters were determined and found in accordance with specifications prescribed by the ASTM standards. Moreover, blends of CFEEs and petrodiesel were prepared and evaluated according to ASTM test methods.

KEYWORDS:

• Blending evaluation
• chicken fat
• dry washing
• ethanolysis
• fuel properties
• optimization of parameters

Acknowledgments

Facilities presented by Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Mosul University, Mosul, Iraq for conducting this research work are highly appreciated.