Synthesis of algal oil methyl ester from microalgae and analyzing the transesterification rate

Hariram V*, G. Mohan Kumar**
* Hindustan College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
** Park College of Engineering & Technology, Kaniyur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Periodicity:February - April'2012
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jfet.7.3.1800

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Transesterification, methanol, glycerin, fatty acid, potassium hydroxide.

How to Cite this Article?

Hariram, V and Kumar, G. M. (2012). Synthesis Of Algal Oil Methyl Ester From Microalgae And Analyzing The Transesterification Rate. i-manager’s Journal on Future Engineering and Technology, 7(3), 43-47. https://doi.org/10.26634/jfet.7.3.1800

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