Effect of process parameters on biodiesel yield produced from palm kernel shell oil (PKSO) using eggshell as catalyst

Effect of process parameters on biodiesel produced from PKSO and eggshell catalyst is investigated. The study showed the significant effect of the process parameters and properties on biodiesel yield. The appropriate reaction parameters that had the maximum biodiesel yield of 79.53% were 3% catalyst concentration, 150 minutes reaction time, 65oC reaction temperature, 12:1 methanol/oil molar ratio, and agitation speed of 300 rpm. Critical fuel properties such as; density, kinematic viscosity, flash point, fire point, cloud point, pour point, free fatty acid, aniline point, diesel index, API gravity, cetane, and fuel calorific values of the biodiesel obtained from all operating parameters were found to be between 0.8461 – 0.8831kg m-3, 5.31 – 7.84 mm2s-1, 97 – 141 oC, 107 – 150 oC, 4.14 – 6.5 oC, 1.5 – 4.5 oC, 0.318 – 0.931mgKOH/kg, 45 – 52 oC, 31.83 – 41.17, 28.165 – 33.258, 28.8313 – 41.1519, and 16 – 18% respectively. These values are within the accepted standard limits for diesel fuels.