Removal of reduction of free fatty acid in sludge palm oil via acid catalyzed reaction for biodiesel production

• Main Authors: Hayyan, Adeeb, Alam, Md. Zahangir, Mirghani, Mohamed Elwathig Saeed, Kabbashi, Nassereldeen Ahmed, Mohd. Hakimi, Noor Irma Nazashida, Mohd. Siran, Yosri, Tahiruddin, Shawaluddin
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: TP Chemical technology; TP248.13 Biotechnology
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/5581/1/ASIA_PASCFIC_J.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/5581/; http://seminar.spaceutm.edu.my/icsm2010/
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

In this study sulphuric acid has been used in pre-treatment of sludge palm oil for biodiesel production by esterification process. The purpose of pre-treatment process was reducing the free fatty acids (FFA) content in the sludge palm oil (SPO) to a minimum level for biodiesel production. Esterification process of SPO was carried out to evaluate suphric acid as acid catalyst in dosage range (0.25-2.75% wt/wt), molar ratio of methanol to SPO (6:1-14:1), temperature (40-80o C), reaction time (30-120 min) and stirrer speed (200-800 rpm). The results showed that the FFA of SPO reduced from 23% to less than 2% FFA using 0.25% wt/wt of sulphuric acid, the molar ratio of methanol to oil was 8:1 at 60 minutes reaction time and 60 oC.