Impact of Oil Extraction Strategy on the Practical Properties of Biodiesels of Chosen Oilseeds

Abstract

Owing to the rise in demand for petroleum and environmental concerns, the search for alternative fuels has gained prominence. This study examined the effect of the method of extraction of the base oil on the functional properties of biodiesel produced from Jatropha, Yellow oleander and Castor oilseeds. The study revealed that the method of extraction had significant effect on the properties of the oil extracted and hence the biodiesel produced from the oil. Hydrogenation during oven heating after solvent extraction affected the unsaturation of the base oils and the biodiesels produced from them. The kinematic viscosities of the biodiesel samples obtained from the oil samples extracted by solvent extraction were generally higher than those obtained from the oil samples extracted by mechanical extraction. The flash and fire points of the biodiesel samples obtained from the oil samples extracted by solvent extraction were higher than that obtained from the oil samples extracted by mechanical extraction. The pour points of the biodiesels produced from the oils extracted by mechanical extraction were lower than those produced from the oils extracted by solvent extraction.