BIODIESEL PRODUCTION FROM RESIDUAL ANIMAL FAT USING VARIOUS CATALYSTS.

Waste animal fat is considered a promising cheap alternative feedstock for biodiesel production that does not compete with food items. The objective of the study was to utilize waste animal fat (beef & mutton) for biodiesel production using different catalysts (Na, NaOH& KOH). Oil extracted from beef and mutton fat was analyzed by Gas Layer Chromatography for its fatty acids composition. Both mutton and beef fat showed 50-93% conversion rate of oil to biodiesel with 3:1 methanol to oil molar ratio with addition of 1% by weight of different catalysts (Na, NaOH& KOH) at 60°C. Transesterification of animal fat with KOH catalyst produced biodiesel of high quality with good conversion rate. Biodiesel produced after transesterification reaction was analyzed for flash point <145°C each, kinematic viscosity 2.74 & 2.59cSt, density 0.88 & 0.87kg/L, pour point 59°F & 57.2°F, calorific value 11568.7 & 10907.4BTU/lb and water content 0.03 & 0.04%vol for mutton and beef respectively. Properties of biodiesel were comparable to ASTM standards so it can be used as a fuel in vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]