Optimization of Parameters for Purification of Jatropha Curcas Based Biodiesel using Organic Adsorbents

Abstract

This paper discusses purification of biodiesel by using organic adsorbents instead of traditional water washing technique. The efficiency of different organic adsorbents under different conditions was compared with each other as well as traditional water washed biodiesel for the purification of Jatropha Curcas based transesterified biodiesel. The proposed methodologies were based on the use of Amberlite BD10 DRY, Purolite PD 206and Tulison T-45BD as adsorbents. The response of each adsorbent was measured through the determination of all the potential impurities like, free alkali, residual alcohol, moisture content, soap content and free and bonded glycerol; present in the biodiesel as per ASTM/EN Standard test method. As a result, it is observed that increasing the temperature from room temperature to 65° C decreases the time of contact as well as the amount of adsorbent required for the removal of impurities. On comparing the results of conventional acid water washing with that of organic adsorbents (at 3% (w/w) concentration with stirring time 25 min at 65°C), these matrices are found to be equally appropriate for the removal of contaminant species from biodiesel. The values for free potassium, residual methanol and free and bonded glycerol are found within the EN 14214 maximum limits.

Keywords

• biodiesel; dry wash; Amberlite BD-10 Dry; Purolite PD-206; Tulison T-45BD

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