Conclusion
In this study, ANOVA study was practiced in the experimental
work to produce biodiesel and a quadratic model was suggested
to predict the ester yield. The R2 value obtained was 0.8004 which
indicates an acceptable fit of the model with the experimental
data. The main finding in this study is to determine the effects of
methanol to oil ratio, types of catalyst, catalyst concentration, reaction
time and reaction temperature on the methyl ester conversion
(% FAME). Resulting from this study, the optimal set for biodiesel
production is defined with best percentage of methyl esters yield
average 96% and was produced at methanol/oil molar ratio 8:1,
catalyst concentration KOH of 1.00 wt.% and the reaction temperature
of 55 C with period of 90 min. The properties of the produced
biodiesel from this study, which are viscosity, density, water content,
calorific value, iodine value, acid value, saponification number
and cetane number, were in accordance with ASTM D6751 and EN
14214 standards. According to the experimental results, it can be
concluded that SOME has good pour and cloud temperature of
3.0 C and 1.0 C respectively. It could be used a potential alternative,
sustainable and environment friendly fuel. Additionally, it
can be used in the diesel engine without major modification. A further
study of blending of biodiesel with petrol diesel is suggested
since it would be able to improve the SOME properties in diesel
engine.