Students' Projects

Microwave assisted transesterification of high FFA oil using heteropoly acid.
Department Chemical Engineering
Year 2020-21
Budget 170000
Students Princekumar Jagjivanbhai Patel
Mentor Prof. Milap Nayak, Prof. K. R. Gurjar
Abstract The conversion of waste cooking oil into biodiesel is not only reducing the problems related to disposal but also gives value-added products. In this research, we explore the Heteropoly acid for conversion of oil into the biodiesel. The replacement of H+ in the acid site by alkali metal ions such as Ba+2 and Cs+ tune up the acid and basic sites for simultaneous conversion of free fatty acid and oil into biodiesel. Microwave as a heat source is implemented to supply the necessary heat required for biodiesel synthesis. We explore the synthesis and characterization of catalyst and its recovery and reuse for biodiesel synthesis. In addition, the effect of process parameters such as methanol to oil molar ratio, catalyst amount, temperature and time on biodiesel yield is also explored.