Alcoholysis of Algae Oil to Produce Biodiesel

Abstract

A technically and financially viable solution to the numerous issues associated with fuel scarcity and high cost is biodiesel. Algae biofuels represent a highly promising alternative approach to energy generation. Microalgae have been proposed as a viable alternative for fuel production due to high oil content in their cells, making them suited for development as a material source for biodiesel manufacturing. This study used dry green algae mass (Chlorophyceae) that was grounded into a smooth powder which was obtained from Delta state. A total of 100g of powder were measured. Algae oil extraction was done using lipid extraction. Additionally, acid esterification was the first step in the characterization of biodiesel. Using a standard solution of 1.0M NaOH solution, the acid value of the reaction mixture was measured using a standard acid base titration method. The results showed that the acid value was 0.280%, the iodine value was 128.592 mg/l, the specific gravity was 0.8103, the density was 0.8099 g/ml, the refractive index was read off as 1.41, the cloud points were -50C, the smokes were 2440C, and the flashes were likewise 288oC. Using USA-based Buck Scientific M530, the analysis method employed was FTIR, and FTIR spectra were co- added at 32 scans with a resolution of 4 cm-1 . The spectra were collected at frequency areas of 4,000 – 600 cm-1 . Transmitter values representing FTIR spectra were shown. Trans esterification is the technique used to turn algae oil into biodiesel. This was carried out in a round- bottom flask with a magnetic stirrer and condenser using catalyst that was supplied (three percent weight of the oil). Curves that are analytical were created. The determination of the diglycerides and triglycerides was made possible by the analytical curves from diolein and triolein. After the product was dried at 800C in a vacuum evaporator, a clear and pure biodiesel was obtained.