Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Abstract:
The demand for biodiesel processor is expanding as a result of increasing acceptance of biodiesel as a viable alternative fuel for diesel engines because of its renewable source, high biodegradability and reduced harmful exhaust emissions. This works examines the design of small scale biodiesel processor capable of transesterifying 20 litres of biodiesel per batch from biodiesel feedstock at minimum cost and near perfect purity of biodiesel to reduce treatment after biodiesel production. Basic design requirements such as: stir speed, maximum reaction temperature, mass and energy balance and heat requirements as well as drive and control system were fixed. Performance evaluation of the processor was carried out using vegetable oil and results obtained are within the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specification for biodiesel.

Keywords: biodiesel, biodiesel feedstock, biodiesel processor, drive, stir speed.

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