Extraction, and Physicochemical Characterization of the Oil Biodiesel and blends from seeds of Ricinus Communis (Castor Beans)

Abstract

This study aims to obtain a sustainable source of energy from natural and environmentally friendly resources. Ricinus communis seeds collected from Dongola city, northern state – Sudan were used as raw material for preparing biofuels and blends. The oil was extracted from Ricinus Communis seeds using different techniques: chemical solvent extraction by soxhlet, cold chemical extraction with solvent and mechanical pressing. Percent oil yields were 49.0%, 35.5% and 31.2%, respectively. Gc/mass analysis showed the oil contained 82.14% Saturated fatty acids, 17.85% unsaturated fatty acids. The degree of saponification was 165.5 mgKOH /g, and it was found that the density value and the gravity factor are equal. Biofuels were prepared by two methods, acid catalyzed esterification reaction and alkali-stimulated esterification using sodium hydroxide. Gas chromatography technique/mass spectrometer demonstrated that Ricinus Communis oil is converted biofuel. The physical and chemical properties of the Biodiesel were verified according to the American Standard Test No. D 6751 and it was found that biofuel had met all of the standard requirements of the standard. The mixture of Ricin’s Communis fuel with fossil diesel No. D20 has been tested according to American Specifications No. D 7467 and has successfully passed the requirements of the standard. Also, two types of biofuel blends were prepared Biodiesel (20/80), fossil diesel and Biodiesel fossil diesel and ethanol (20/60/20) were prepared and compared with the ASTM No. D 7467. The three types of mixture met the standard requirements except for viscosity testing, where the viscosity level of biofuel fuel was 17.37 C0 higher than the ASTM. The acid number ratio was slightly higher than the standard and it was 0.6 mgKoH/g.