ABSTRACT
This project aims to examine the suitability of selected non edible oil via characterization for biodiesel production and optimizing conditions to increase biodiesel yield using heterogenous catalysts. Biodiesel is a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels, and it is important to ensure that the oils used to produce it are of the highest quality. The study focused on the characterization of three different types of oils: waste cooking vegetable oil (WVO), neem oil, castor oil and a blend of the three oils. These oils were selected based on their potential as feedstocks for biodiesel production, and optimizing conditions to maximize biodiesel yield: time, temperature, methanol/oil ratio, with the use of heterogenous catalyst, a blend of anthill, cow horn and paw-paw stalk as precursors. The characterization of the oils involved the determination of their physical and chemical properties, including density, acid value and saponification value. These properties were determined using standard methods and equipment. The results of the study showed that castor oil and neem oil had high acid values, indicating that it would require pre-treatment before it could be used for biodiesel production. Waste cooking vegetable oil, on the other hand, had the lowest acid value and free fatty acid content, making it an ideal feedstock for biodiesel production. The different fractions of the blend of the three oils had moderate acid values and free fatty acid content, making it suitable for biodiesel production after pre-treatment. The study also found that the saponification value of the oils was an important factor in determining their suitability for biodiesel production. Molecular weight and density qualities of the oils were found too, as it is important in the characterization tests of the oil. Biodiesel was finally produced from different fractions of the blend of the oils while optimizing reaction conditions and using heterogenous catalyst blend. The final results examined and found to have given a yield of 97.42% as the optimum, this was gotten from a blend of waste cooking oil, neem oil and castor oil in ratio 0:33.1:66.9. vi In its entirety, this research has furnished invaluable insights into the characterization of non-edible oils and optimizing reaction conditions for biodiesel production. The findings of this study can be leveraged to facilitate the selection of appropriate raw materials for biodiesel production, as well as to streamline the production process in order to ensure the generation of superior quality biodiesel.To conclude, this project has underscored the significance of characterizing oils for biodiesel production, offering a comprehensive evaluation of the physical and chemical attributes of three distinct types of oils and different fraction blend of them as well as given the best ration combination for blend of the oils for maximum biodiesel production using heterogenous catalyst. The discoveries from this study can be instrumental in shaping the advancement of sustainable and ecologically sound biodiesel production processes
