The effects of alcohol to oil molar ratio, catalyst amount,
reaction temperature and reaction duration are analyzed in
each step. Excess addition of sulphuric acid darkens the
product. It has been also found that the conversion efficiency
is strongly affected by molar ratio of alcohol to oil. The
molar ratio of 6:1 favors the completion of alkaline
catalyzed esterification process with in half an hour. The
maximum ester conversion is achieved at the reaction
temperature of 45G5 8C. The viscosity of biodiesel is
nearer to that diesel. The flash point of biodiesel (about
130 8C) is greater than that of diesel and the calorific value
is slightly lower than that of diesel.