Computing Fundamentals

Project Proposal

TITLE:

Utilization of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Oil as Feedstock for Biodiesel

Production on Engines.

1. RATIONALE:

Coconuts also known as the ‘Tree of Life’ is one of Philippines’ most

important crops. It is considered a major export, contributing 3.6% of the
country’s GVA in agriculture, next to banana, corn and rice. Indeed, the country
remains to be a top producer and exporter of coconut worldwide (P.S.A., 2019,
and Lapina & Andal,2017). Coconut, having no waste from the tree up to its
leaves, is also subjected for oil extraction and have been in trend because of its
benefits. The oil produced from this crop is an excellent oil, having various
nutritional advantages such as its fatty acids (Healthline. 2020). However, due to
its lipid content, it makes coconut oil a potential source for diesel production.

Biodiesel is one of the best renewable fuels for good reason. Using it
could replace conventional diesel and reduce exhaust pollution and engine
maintenance. It also has a relatively high flash point, which makes it less volatile
and safer to transport or handle than petroleum diesel (Gude, V.G., et al, 2012).
With its use of organic compounds, biodiesel has attracted wide attention due to
its renewability, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and environmentally friendly
benefits (Zhen-xing, L., et al, 2013).

As an alternative fuel derived from vegetable oil and animal fats, biodiesel
can easily be produced from different feedstock containing fatty acids and by-
products of the refining vegetable oils (Ogunde, P.A., 2012). With the Philippines
as the world’s seconds leading coconut producer (Statista, 2021), such
abundancy can be a good chance to boost economic competitiveness of the
country.

Traditional diesel production using fossil fuels has been used way back
from the industrial revolution, but currently there are drawbacks to these
practices because of economic reasons as well as its environmental effects. The

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 petroleum diesel combustion emits several greenhouse gases. Apart from these
emissions, petroleum diesel is also a major source from these air containments
including Nox, Sox, CO particulate matter and volatile organic compounds
(Kannahi, P.M., & Arulmozhi, R., 2013). Due to this, the project proposer
searched for alternative organic oil to produce biodiesel which are widely
available, cheap, safer, and easier to use for diesel engines.

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

This project uses transesterification method which was employed using

Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) as a catalyst, with the coconut oil and methanol as
the reactants for biodiesel production. Varying significant parameters affecting
the yield of biodiesel in the transesterification reaction are also determined and
measured such as the methanol/ oil ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction time,
mixing intensity, and temperature. The produced biodiesel is then measured
through density, refraction index, flash point (°C) and viscosity.

As biodiesel were directly affected by molar ratio in yielding process, this

project focused on this factor.

The subjected volume and methanol content are varied according to

hypothesized methanol/oil ratio. The vessel is then kept at 50°C reaction
temperature in a water bath with good magnetic stirring during 1 hour. The result
gathered is then compared to determine which yields the highest biodiesel,
followed by the determination and evaluation from the properties of biodiesel in
terms of density, viscosity, refractive index, and flash point.

This project applies statistical approach based from the study of Singh,
A.P., et al (2006), which enables optimization and operating conditions to
maximize the biodiesel yield and minimize the formation of soap. The following
set of optimized condition was indicated: Potassium methoxide concentration of
0.2 mol L-1 and a reaction temperature of 50°C.

In terms of mixing intensity, this follows the results from the study of
Noureddini, H., et al (1998) wherein they investigated the effect of variations in
mixing intensity during the transesterification of triglycerides to methyl esters
(biodiesel) in a pilot plant, and the results showed that the optimum stirring rates
were in the range of 1,000 rpm using both motionless and high-shear mixers.

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 Furthermore, the reaction time is set for 1 hour and a catalyst concentration of
1.3%.

This project will further take reference on the process conducted from the
project research entitled, “Production of Biodiesel through Catalytic
Transesterification of Jatropha Oil” authored by Khan, M.N., et al, (2016), and an
experimental report project entitled, “Production of Biodiesel from Corn Oil and
Ethanol by Homogeneous Alkali Catalyzed Transesterification” conducted by
Mendes, A.M., (2011).

3. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

General Objective
Generally, this project aimed to focus on the utilization of Coconut (Cocos
nucifera) Oil as feedstock for Biodiesel Production.

Specific Objectives
Specifically, this project aimed to answer the following:
1. Determine if coconut oil can be utilized as feedstock for biodiesel
production on engines in terms of density, viscosity, refractive
index, and flashing point.

2. Determine if there is a significant difference in utilizing coconut oil

as feedstock for biodiesel production on engines in terms of
density, viscosity, refractive index, and flashing point.
Hypothesis
Based on the aforementioned objectives, the following hypothesis is
formulated:
1. There is no significant difference in utilizing coconut oil as
feedstock for biodiesel production on engines in terms of density,
viscosity, refractive index, and flashing point.

4. PRIOR ART SEARCH

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 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.200800253

Arumugam Sivasamy, Kien Yoo Cheah, Paolo Fornasiero, Francis Kemausuor,

Sergey Zinoviev and Stanislav Miertus

Conclusion:
Biodiesel production technologies based on homogenous catalysts are simple in
operation and cost effective. Commonly used sodium hydroxide and sodium
methoxide offer reasonably short reaction times and good conversions and product
yields. However, the effectiveness of homogeneous base catalysts in
transesterification is limited to feedstocks that contain no water and free fatty acids.
The combination of acid-catalyzed esterification with base-catalyzed
transesterification could be a solution for feedstocks with a high FFA content, as well
as coupling hydrolysis with esterification processes; however, a more complicated
processing is required.

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 As most systems using homogeneous catalysts require batch-mode processing
and a number of downstream processes to remove residues of catalysts and to
purify products, the overall process can be still improved from both environmental
and economic points of view. For example, a higher purity of glycerol and its
valorization are typical issues. Homogenous catalysts can be replaced by
heterogeneous catalysts in order to run the transesterification process in continuous
mode and avoid unfavorable saponification phenomena and related product-
separation issues, as well as to allow other simple downstream processing steps
and recovery of the catalyst. Overall, heterogeneous catalysts are more
environmentally friendly than homogeneous ones and represent a more sustainable
mode of resource management.

5. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

This project is anchored on Rudolph Diesel’s concept for creating diesel

engines on 1911 where he used vegetable oils (peanut oil) as a reactant. His
theory of using vegetable oils was intended to allow his diesel engine run on
varying fuels. It wasn’t accepted on that time as they were more expensive than
petroleum fuels. However, its potential sparked again on people’s interest due to
rapid decline in crude oil reserves and environmental concerns. From large
number of investigations, it’s reported that the fatty acid methyl esters of oils of
26 species were found most suitable for use as biodiesel and meets the major
specification of biodiesel standards of USA, Germany, and Europe.

This project focuses on the utilization of coconut oil as feedstock for

biodiesel production. The independent variable are the factors in yielding
biodiesel such as molar ratio, catalyst concentration, temperature, reaction time
and mixing intensity. The dependent variable are the properties of biodiesel in
terms of density, viscosity, refractive index, and flashing point.

Conceptual Framework

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Utilization
5 | P a g e Process of Coconut
variables for Oil as Feedstock for Biodiesel
coconut oil in yielding
Production on Engines Biodiesel properties in
biodiesel such as:
(Developmental Project on Fuel Technologies)
terms of:
1. Molar Ratio
6. METHODOLOGY

Materials

The reactants used are methanol and coconut oil, with sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
as a catalyst. Erlenmeyer Flask will be used as the reaction vessel for the entire
production procedure. Coconut oil will be gathered from Ivisan Agrohub at Brgy.
Ondoy, Ivisan, Capiz. Alcohol (methanol) used in the synthesis and water
solution of phosphoric acid will be purchased from accredited synthetic or drug
stores in Capiz.

Equipment and apparatus

Weighing balance, erlenmeyer flask, rotary evaporator, shaker bath (temperature

controlled), oven, stirring motor, reflux set up, separating funnel, burettes,
beakers, hot plate, thermometer, density bottle, viscometer, refractometer, flash
point tester, volumetric flask, retort stand, clamps.

Process Variables

The reaction of transesterification has its yield affected by some experimental

conditions such as the molar ratio between alcohol and oil, the amount of
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 catalyst, the temperature, the reaction time and the stirring speed (Meher et al.,
2006).

This project will apply varying molar ratio counts (2:1 – 6:1) to determine which
would yield the highest on predetermined catalyst concentration (1.3%), stirring
speed (1,000 rpm), reaction time (1 hour) and temperature (50°C) for biodiesel
production in terms of density, viscosity, refractive index and flashing point or
heat value.

Project Design

This study will utilize Completely Randomized Design. In a completely

randomized design, treatment levels or combinations are assigned to
experimental units at random. This is typically done by listing the treatment levels
or treatment combinations and assigning a random number to each (PennState,
2010).

Experimental Layout

Replicates
Treatments
R1 R2 R3
Vessel A – Coconut oil/ methanol in 2:1 ratio with 1.3%
sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 50°C stirred in 1000 rpm
for 1 hour
Vessel B – Coconut oil/ methanol in 3:1 ratio with
1.3% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 50°C stirred in 1000
rpm for 1 hour
Vessel C – Coconut oil/ methanol in 4:1 ratio with
1.3% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 50°C stirred in 1000
rpm for 1 hour
Vessel D – Coconut oil/ methanol in 5:1 ratio with
1.3% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 50°C stirred in 1000
rpm for 1 hour
Vessel E – Coconut oil/ methanol in 6:1 ratio with
1.3% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 50°C stirred in 1000
rpm for 1 hour

Flow Sheet Diagram of Biodiesel Production

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Catalyst & Project on Fuel Technologies)
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 Cocon
ut Oil

Transesterific
ation
Biodie
sel
Experimentation

Biodiesel will be produced in a laboratory using the Erlenmeyer flask as the

reaction vessel through transesterification process. Vessels of varying molar ratio
and catalyst concentration will be kept at 50°C in a water bath with good
magnetic stirring during the entire reaction time (1 hour).

First, the measured pulverized catalyst is mixed and left to dissolve with
methanol in the vessel at 50°C for 1 hour with a stirring motor. It will then be
poured to another vessel containing the coconut oil stirred at 1,000 rpm. The
mixture will then be heated at 50°C using water bath. High speed centrifugation
is used to separate the catalyst. Substances were left now to react.

After the reaction time, the content was poured in to a separating funnel and left
in order for glycerol and biodiesel to separate by gravity separation. The glycerol
in the lower darker phase will be poured out and the remaining biodiesel will
undergo the washing process once with water solution of phosphoric acid to
remove the alkaline from the biodiesel. It was left for 16 hours to settle into 2
phase: the water-impurities phase and biodiesel phase. The water phase will
then be poured out using separating funnel. The biodiesel phase was them
heated to about 100°C for 1 hour to evaporate the remaining water molecules in

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it (Yusuf & Sirajo, 2009). After achieving the biodiesel phase, the determination
of density, viscosity, flash point, and refractive index is implemented.

Statistical Analysis

a. Formula for Yield Percent

The statistical tool used to determine yielded (%) biodiesel is through the
formula:
Actual weight of product
Yield (%) =  100
Theoretical weight of product

Total amount of biodiesel is produced from reaction of coconut oil and

alcohol in actual, while theoretical weight of biodiesel was achieved when
we assumed the 100 percent conversion of fatty acids present in coconut
oil.

b. Density Determination

Through the use of weighing balance and density bottle, determination of

density could be achieved.

First, density bottles are washed, dried and marked. Some amounts of the
test samples were put into the density bottle and after which the weight is
taken.

Weight of empty density bottle = A

Weight of bottle + water = B
Weight of bottle + oil = C

The respective densities were then calculated from the results gotten.
Density = mass/ weight of oil/ volume of oil
Specific Gravity = weight of xml of oil/ weight of xml of water
=C-A/B-A

c. Viscosity Determination

The viscosity is measured using a viscometer with 20% glycerol in water

as reference liquid (Vigouroux, 2010). To perform this measurement, it’s
either the fluid remains stationary and an object moves through it, or the
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 object is stationary and the fluid moves past it. The drag caused by
relative motion of the liquid and a surface is a measure of the viscosity.
Knowing the terminal velocity, the size and density of the sphere, and the
density of the liquid, Stoke’s Law can be used to calculate the viscosity of
the fluid.

d. Refractive index Determination

Refractive Index is measured through refractometer. The refractive index

is defined from Snell’s Law as:
n=c/V

*c = speed of light in vacuum

*v = speed of light in the medium measured (biodiesel)

e. Flashing Point Determination

Flash point is determined by using automatic pensky marten flash point

tester. Samples are poured into the cup of the tester and covered. A flame
or electric spark of specified size was directed to the cup at interval until
the vapor above the sample ignited. The thermometer reading will be
recorded and the flash point as well.

Evaluation

There may have enough energy resources for fuel production in the world
capable of supplying people’s needs for energy, however, due to its alarming
socio-economic implications and environmental concerns, production of biodiesel
from vegetable oil and animal fats is the best alternative that we could possibly
imagine. Considering the existing capacities of agricultural and industrial
production in applying organic and non-edible feedstocks for production, it is not
impossible to adopt biodiesel as part of our future renewable fuels.

Biodiesel produced from organic feedstocks in place of conventional fuels could

evidently slow the progression of global warming as conducted researches
claimed its low composition of carbon dioxide net emissions where nonetheless,
zero for pure biodiesels. In view of the current instability on oil prices, biodiesel
really stands as an effective source of alternative energy. With the world’s current
scenario, having coconut oil for biodiesel production could be a perfect chance

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 for nation’s advancement. And it’s because of its properties (Triglyceride fatty
acids), availability and capability to substitute fossil fuels (renewability, non-
toxicity and biodegradability). Hence, due to this existing facts and
circumstances, the proposer serves its full extent to accomplish this project for
the benefit of the society through cheap, clean, and safe biodiesels where
anyone could easily access.

7. REFERENCES

Barbosa-Cánovas, Fernández-Molina, Alzamora, Tapia, López-Malo, & Chanes. 2003.

Handling and Preservation of Fruits and Vegetables by Combined Methods for
Rural Areas. [Accessed 2019, November 30]
http://www.fao.org/3/y4358e/y4358e00.htm#Contents

Healthline Media UK. 2017. Benefits and health risks of bananas. [Accessed 2019,
November 30] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271157.php

ISAAA. 2018. Pocket K No. 12: Delayed Ripening Technology. [Accessed 2019,
November 30]
https://www.isaaa.org/resources/publications/pocketk/12/default.asp

Krishnaiah, Sarbatly & Nithyanandam, et. al. 2011. A Review of the Antioxidant Potential
of Medicinal Plant Species. [Accessed 2019, November 18]
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/240442046_A_review_of_the_antioxida
nt_potential_of_medicinal_plant_species

Lobo, Patil, Phatak, & Chandra, et. al. 2010. Free radicals, antioxidants and functional
foods: Impact on human health. [Accessed 2019, November 18]
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/
PhilNews. 2017. Extreme Beneficial Effects of Saba Banana. [Accessed 2019,
November 30] https://philnews.ph/2017/02/01/extreme-beneficial-effects-saba-
banana/

Stuartxchange. 2016. Philippine Medicinal Plants, Alugbati, Basella alba Linn.

[Accessed 2019, November 30] http://www.stuartxchange.com/Alugbati.html

Stuartxchange. 2016. Philippine Medicinal Plants, Kamote, Ipomea batatas (L.) Lam.
[Accessed 2019, November 30] http://www.stuartxchange.com/Alugbati.html

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Production on Engines
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