Hetero-Sonic Methanolysis of Palm Kernel Oil To Produce Biodiesel Fuel

The valuable oil obtained from the kernel of the African oil palm, Elaeis guineensis was used for the production of biodiesel fuel (BDF). A prototype production plant based on hetero-sonic agitation was designed, fabricated and tested in the Hardware Development Laboratory. The produced plant was used to investigate the effect of hetero-sonic mixing on the methanolysis of palm kernel oil (PKO) in comparison to its absence in the conventional catalysis method. The susceptibility of commercial stocks of PKO to mesophilic and thermophilic fungi was investigated at the Molecular Systematic Laboratory. Its effect on the breakdown of PKO into free fatty acid (FFA) resulting into unpredictable quality of produced BDF was also investigated. Results showed that; Acoustic cavitations condition created by hetero-sonic agitation produced high speed mixing and mass transfer between methanol and oil. The net effect was a higher yield of biodiesel fuel within a shorter time frame. It proved to reduce the transesterification time. Rancidity of Palm kernel oil was facilitated by moisture, light exposure and atmospheric oxygen resulting to changes in odour and pH. Due to the biodegradation conditions, a pH change of 5+10% was observed on a 3 month average storage at the University of Lagos. This project provides the clue for sustainable and economic growth of the Nigerian energy sector which requires; a stock pile preservation of raw materials (PKO) and fast production plant (hetero-sonic mixer) to meet potential market quality and demands.