GSOE9010 – ENGINEERING PG COURSEWORK RESEARCH SKILLS

INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH PROPOSAL

PRODUCTION OF BIO-DIESEL FROM USED VEGETABLE OIL

MOHAMMAD SHAHEER SHABBIR

Z5147793

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
MASTER OF ENGINEERING SCIENCE – MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING &
MANAGEMENT
 ABSTRACT

Alternative fuel is the need of our time as our dependency on non-renewable fuels is causing
adverse effects on our environment such as Global Warming. Bio-diesel is an alternative fuel which is
non-toxic and biodegradable in nature extracted from Soya-bean seeds, etc. Many experiments
have been conducted highlighting the effectiveness of producing Bio-diesel but no or little attention
have been given to production of it from used Vegetable Oil. In this research proposal author will
discuss the production of Bio-diesel from used Vegetable Oil (which itself is a pollutant).

The methodology employed in this research proposal is experimenting different parameters such as
Suitable Temperature, Settling Time and Mixing Time while using used Vegetable Oil mixed with
Methanol using Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) as a catalyst to find an optimum blend. Furthermore, all
blends produced as a result of varying experimental parameters will be tested to ensure they pass
the EN14214 standard (Standard for bio-fuels published by European Committee). Standard tests
such as Flash, Cloud and Pour Point Test will be evaluated to check compliance with EN14214.
Moreover, blends will be tested on Diesel Engines to ascertain compatibility with Engine.
Significance of this research proposal would be production of a cleaner alternative fuel (bio-diesel)
while using a pollutant (used Vegetable Oil).
1. Literature Review
1.1. Background

Energy is the main driving force behind the economic growth of humanity and that energy
is majorly derived from fossil fuels. Fossil Fuels as we all know are depleting at an alarming
rate and they also have an adverse and negative impact on our environment. Due to rapid
depletion of non-renewable resources and increasing concerns surrounding their use on
our environment, it is crucial for us to explore developing of alternative fuels to power and
sustain our economic growth. [1]

Use of solar and wind energy for production of energy is viable, but these sources of
energy cannot be implemented to drive the transport networks of today. In order to fuel
the transport systems such as cars and buses we need to rely on use of Bio-diesel as
previous researches has shown their compatibility with engines owing to similar
properties. [2]

Although solar cars have been developed in recent years, but a major drawback concerning
their commercial use is their slow speed and low efficiency (high cost due to storage
batteries and weight of batteries). [3]
1.2. Production of Bio-Diesel from Seed Crops

Seed crops have been majorly used in production of Bio-diesel as an alternative fuel. The
most common seed crop used is Soya Bean, Canola and Palm Seeds. However, inefficient conversion
rates have always been the main obstacle in their success as a viable alternate fuel for energy. The
productivity numbers of these seeds are: Soya Bean seeds: 450 litres of Oil per Hectare, Canola can
produce 1200 litres of Oil per Hectare and Palm seeds can produce 6000 litres of Oil per Hectare.

The low productivity or conversion rate is not the only problem, but high viscosity,
unstable and high flash points and lower heating values compared to diesel fuel has hindered the
utility of Bio-Diesel production from Seed Crops. The high viscosity of these fuels is due to their high
molecular mass, and the lower heating value is mainly due to presence of chemically bound oxygen
in bio fuel produced from Seed crops.