Biodiesel Production from Karanja Oil

Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research Vol. 63, January 2004, pp 39-47 Biodiesel production from Karanja oil Vivek and A K Gupta Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110 016 Received: 09 July 2003;... More

Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research Vol. 63, January 2004, pp 39-47 Biodiesel production from Karanja oil Vivek and A K Gupta Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110 016 Received: 09 July 2003; accepted: 12 November 2003 Import dependence for oil in India, which is about 70 per cent, is likely to increase further. The study is initiated to investigate the potential of Karanja oil as a source of biodiesel. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from renewable biological resources such as, vegetable oil and animal fat. It is completely biodegradable and non-toxic. Main objectives of the study are feasibility of Karanja oil for the production of biodiesel, optimization of different parameters for high yield/conversion of Karanja oil to biodiesel. Optimum conditions were found to be: Pressure 1 atmos, Temperature 68-70 o C, Reactant ratio 8-10 (Moles of MeOH: Moles of oil), Reaction time 30-40 min, Catalyst (KOH) 1. 5 per cent w/ Less