METHYL ESTER (BIODIESEL) PRODUCTION FROM MICRO ALGAE AND LINSEED MIXING OIL

This paper discusses a detailed study on the production of methyl ester using a mixture consist of Schizochytrium micro algae oil and linseed oil in different volume percentage say 15:85ml through two-step trans-esterification process. The effects of molar ratio of methanol to oil (3:1-9:1), wt% of catalyst (0.5-2wt%), reaction temperature (40-70°C), and reaction time (30-120 min) were studied on the percentage yield of oil extracted. The methyl esters with best yield (90.99%) and quality was produced in case of a mixture consist of Schizochytrium micro algae oil and linseed oil (Mixed methyl ester) (MME), at 6:1 mole ratio, 1.5wt% of catalyst (NaOH), Temperature 600C and reaction time 120 min. It was noted that increase or decrease the concentration of (NaOH) or methanol ratio than the optimal values, the reaction either did not fully occur or lead to soap formation, that will be causes reduced the yield of methyl ester.The quality of the methyl ester produced was analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The study also includes examination of physical and chemical properties such as pH value, viscosity, density, flash point, fire point and acid values on the produced methyl ester as well as on the conventional diesel for comparison. The study revealed that the properties of the methyl esters were very close to the conventional diesel.