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Bio-Diesel Production from Oil of Orange ( Citrus Sinensis ) Peels as Feedstock
BULL, O.S. & OBUNWO, C.C.
Abstract
Although, in Nigeria orange peels are considered as a waste, this
study is intended to convert the waste into wealth by establishing the production of
biodiesel with oil obtained from orange peels; using transeterification process. Oil
from sun-dried/ ground orange peels were extractedusing n-hexane.
Transesterification process was done at a temperature range of 80 - 83 °C with oil to
ethanol mole ratio of 1:3 respectively and sodium hydroxide as catalyst. The
parameters analyzed included: Viscosity, Density and the concentrations of K, Na,
Ca, Mg and P.The viscosity and density of the biodiesel obtained were 2.1 stand
825 kg/m3 respectively. The mean concentrations of K, Na, Ca, Mg and P in the
biodiesel were 4 ppm, 7 ppm, 3 ppm, 3 ppm and 8 ppm respectively. These results
are in close agreement with ASTM standards requirement for biodiesel. The
glycerol was recycled trice before it finally lost potent.It is thus apparent that the
locally-sourced feedstock (orange peels) would be a good source for the production
of biodiesel.
Keywords
Biodiesel; Production; Transesterification; Oil; Orange peels; Citrus sinensis; Feedstock
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