Author Description

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2024 in the subject Engineering - Chemical Engineering, grade: A, course: Chemical Technology, language: English, abstract: Now biodiesel has become a long-term viable option while being a gentler-on-the-planet on the planet alternative to conventional fossil fuels, offering lessened release of greenhouse gases and biodegradability. The focus of this research is on the production of biodiesel from both used vegetable oil (UVO) and raw vegetable oils through transesterification, a process that converts triglycerides into fructooligosaccharide methyl esters using alcohol (typically methanol) and a catalyst. The research compares the efficiency, yield, and quality used to make biodiesel from used cooking oil and fresh vegetable oils, highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of utilizing waste oils. Key parameters such as oil reacting temperature, composition, free fatty acid content, catalyst type, and alcohol-to-oil ratio were analyzed to optimize biodiesel production. The results demonstrate that biodiesel derived from used vegetable oil presents a viable alternative with comparable fuel properties to that produced from raw vegetable oils while promoting waste recycling and cost-effectiveness. The findings of this research reinforce the possibilities of biodiesel as an alternative fuel and support its role in sustainable energy development.