Alcohol Analysis Of The Transesterification Process

Juan Alvarez Umme Amira Nancy Patel

Advisor: Professor Cairncross Group: 073-03

Agenda 1
2 3 4
Background Motivation

5
6 7 8

Analysis
Conclusion

Procedure of Transesterification
Testing Procedures and Results

Future Work
References and Questions

Background
What is Biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel for diesel engines

Can be used alone or as a blend

http://euobserver.com/media/src/c1f6 0cf3053300d76b5252146332f08b.jpg

It is made by converting oils into free fatty methyl esters (FAME) The primary feedstock are soybeans

http://static.ddmcdn.com/gif/biodiesel3.jpg

Background
Why biodiesel?

Rudolf Diesel created the diesel engine to run off of straight oil Safer for the environment and a diesel engine

Problems: high solidification point, high viscosity Reduces exhaust emissions Lower toxicity compared to petroleum diesel Biodegradable

Background
Key Terms

Triglyceride an ester derived from glycerol and three fatty acids. Free Fatty Methyl Ester (FAME)-Fatty acid capped with a Methyl group. Transesterification- a reversible reaction in which one ester is converted into another with the presence of a base
http://bioweb.wku.edu/courses/biol11 5/wyatt/biochem/lipid/triglyceride.gif

http://apps.carleton.edu/reason_packa ge/reason_4.0/www/images/602046.gif

Motivation

Aid in establishing an Engineering 102 Biodiesel module for future engineering students

Testing Variable: Alcohol used during transesterification process

Chemical safety Ease in teaching the transesterification process

Motivation

Which alcohol is most effective in producing biodiesel?

Testing and analysis of results, compared to ASTM biodiesel standards

Which alcohol is the safest to use within a learning environment?

Analysis of each alcohol using National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) hazard rating and Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS)

Procedure of Transesterification
Overview

Heat oil to 40C

Mix alcohol and KOH

Add alcohol KOH mixture to oil while at 40C and stirring

Let react for 1.5 hours to ensure maximum yield

Procedure of Transesterification
Specifics

100 mL of soybean oil 1:3 molar ratio of alcohol to soybean oil 0.8783g of KOH

1.5 hours were used to maximize yield.

Calculated by finding the acidity of oil being used

Procedure of Transesterification
Chemistry

http://www.runyoutech.com/pics/biodiesel_purify.gif

http://www.esru.strath.ac.uk/EandE/Web_sites/0203/biofuels/reaction.gif

Separating and washing

Separate glycerin from biodiesel using a separating flask 2 acid washes and then 9 water washes or until water is clear. Dry in a water bath for 1 hour

Testing Procedures and Results

Hydrometer Test

Compares the density of the liquid to the density of water Weighted with lead shots to make float upright

http://avogadroslabsupply.com/Image s/Hydrometer%20Reading.JPG

Testing Procedures and Results

Hydrometer Test
Hydrometer Test

Density (Kg/m^3)

915.0

879.0

879.2

875.0

876.0

Methanol 1

Methanol 2

Ethanol 1

Ethanol 2

Isopropanol 1

Alcohols

Testing Procedures and Results

Kinematic Viscosity
Viscosity-fluid resistance to flow Absolute viscosity/fluids mass density

Viscosity at 40C
Centistoke Range: 500 to 2500

Testing Procedures and Results

Kinematic Viscosity
Average Centistokes

Kinematic Viscosity

31.83

4.88
Methanol 1

4.75
Methanol 2

5.00
Ethanol 1

5.00
Ethanol 2 Isopropanol 1

Alcohols

Testing Procedures and Results

Soap Titration

Testing soap content in biodiesel Phenolphthalein, Bromothymol Blue, Isopropanol and oil
Alcohol Methanol 1 Methanol 2 Ethanol 1 Ethanol 2 Isopropanol 1 Soap Titration (Pass/Fail)

Testing Procedures and Results

Sandy Brae

Tests water content in biodiesel Test washing ability of biodiesel Adding biodiesel to Calcium Hydride (Reagent A) and a Solvent (Reagent B) Digital test vessel detects pressure from gas

http://www.sandybrae.com/wtkdgves.jpg

Testing Procedures and Results

Sandy Brae

Sandy Brae
11.18

Pressure (PSI)

9.03 7.55

8.84

7.13

Methanol 1

Methanol 2

Ethanol 1

Ethanol 2

Isopropanol 1

Alcohol

Testing Procedures and Results

3/27 Test

27 mL of methanol and 3mL of biodiesel Triglycerides do not dissolve in methanol Indicates degree of oil conversion to biodiesel

Alcohol Methanol 1 Methanol 2 Ethanol 1 Ethanol 2 Isopropanol 1

3/27 Test (Pass/Fail)

http://biodieseltutorial.utahbiodieselsupply.com/ methanoltest/images/327testpic_641.jpg

Analysis
Alcohol Hydrometer (Kg/m^3) Kinematic Viscosity (Centistokes) Trail 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Avg Methanol 1 Methanol 2 879.0 879.2 5.00 4.50 4.75 4.75 4.75 5.00 4.88 4.75 1 Passed Passed Passed Passed 7.13 7.55 1 3/27 Test (Pass/Fail) Titration (Pass/Fail) Sandy Brae (psi)

Ethanol 1
Ethanol 2 Isopropanol 1

875.0
876.0 915.0

5.25
4.75 32.00

5.00
5.00 31.25

4.75
5.25 32.25

5.00
5.00 2 31.83 3

Passed
Passed Failed

Passed
Passed Passed

9.03
8.84 2 11.18 3

ASTM Standards

860-900

1.9-6.0

Pass

Pass

N/A

Analysis
NFPA Health Flammability Physical Hazard HMIS

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Hazard Rating Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS)
Methanol 1 3 0 Ethanol 2 3 0 Isopropanol 1 3 0 Butanol 1 3 0

Health
Flammability Reactivity Total

2
3 0 9

2
3 0 10

2
3 0 9

1
3 0 8

Conclusion

Each alcohol affected the transesterification reaction differently

Conclusion: Best choice is methanol

Biodiesel quality also affected, as exhibited by the test results

Even the color of biodiesel ranges from light yellow to dark amber

Easiest to wash Fit ASTM biodiesel standards Safest alcohol that allows for strong educational experience for the transesterification process.

Future Works

Wash and test Isopropanol sample 2 Research n-propanol since it is a primary alcohol Finish washing and test butanol Conducted other test to check for quality of samples

References
[1] R. Cairncross. Engr 103 Class Lecture, Topic: "Introduction to Biodiesel."Lebow 132, Faculty of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Apr. 5, 2013.

Questions?