Production and Characterization of Biodiesel from Indigenous Jatropha Plants

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the practicability of indigenous jatropha seeds for production of biodiesel and partial replacement
of petro diesel. The crude oil was extracted with the help of mechanical expeller and free fatty acids were reduced with acid esterification and
biodiesel produced through transesterification process. The total quantity of extracted crude oil from jatropha seeds was 37%, press cake 52%
and losses 11%, and yield percentage of biodiesel was around 92% and glycerin 7%. All characteristic parameters of crude oil and biodiesel
were found within standards. The sulphur content in crude oil was found extremely lower with 0.0001% and flash point of biodiesel was 170oC
against the standards of 0.8% and 130oC respectively. It is concluded that biodiesel produced from indigenous jatropha seeds is a good quality
and environmental friendly fuel to be blended with petro diesel in various proportions for internal combustion engine applications.