Production and Characterization of Biodiesel from Indigenous Castor Seeds

M.M Tunio, Saleem R. Samo, Zeenat M. Ali, A. Q. Jakhrani, K. C. Mukwana

The purpose of this study was to examine the practicability of indigenous castor seeds for production of biodiesel and partial replacement of petro diesel. The crude oil was extracted with the help of mechanical expeller and free fatty acids were reduced with acid esterification and biodiesel produced through transesterification process. The total quantity of extracted crude oil from castor seeds was 45.8%, press cake 40% and losses 14.2%, and yield percentage of biodiesel was around 93.5% and glycerin 6.5%. All characteristic parameters of crude oil and biodiesel were found within standards. The sulphur content in crude oil was found extremely lower with 0.001% and flash point of biodiesel was 130^oC against the standards of 0.8% and 130^oC respectively. In addition, the palmitic, linoleic acid, Oleic and ricinoleic acids found better against literature reported in extracted crude oil and produced biodiesel samples. The palmitic fatty acid was greater; henceforth as a result it produces more yield of biodiesel. While linoleic acid was contained moderate percentage so as to form biodiesel with fewer amounts of reagents and henceforth ensures most economical production of biodiesel. It is concluded that biodiesel produced from indigenous jatropha seeds is a good quality and environmental friendly fuel to be blended with petro diesel in various proportions for internal combustion engine applications.