JFET_V7_N3_RP4 Hariram V. G. Mohan Kumar Journal on Future Engineering and Technology 2230 – 7184 7 3 43 47 Transesterification, Methanol, Glycerin, Fatty Acid, Potassium Hydroxide The main objective of this paper is to develop and standardize the production method of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina sp.) and to transform the algal oil to biodiesel by transesterification. The development of technique for the production of algal oil involves following three steps. The primary step is the preparation of BG 11 medium for the growth of micro algae. The second step involves the harvesting and extraction of the algal biomass using hexane and ether solvents and the reaction is maintained at 60oc for 24 hrs. The final step is the transesterification of the extracted algal oil using Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as alkaline catalyst and methanol at 75oc for 48 hrs. The fatty acid methyl ester thus produced is separated from glycerin using an inverted separator. The physio-chemical properties were found to be within ASTM standards. February - April 2012 Copyright © 2012 i-manager publications. All rights reserved. i-manager Publications http://www.imanagerpublications.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=1800