Production, optimization and quality assessment of bio diesel from Ricinus communis L. oil

At present, bio diesel is gaining tremendous attention due to its eco-friendly nature and is possible substitute for diesel fuel. Bio diesel as renewable energy source can be produced from edible and non-edible feedstock. Non-edible resources are preferred to circumvent for food competition. In the present study FAME was produced from Ricinus communis L. oil by transesterification with methanol and ethanol in the presence of potassium hydroxide. The practical optimal condition for the production of bio diesel from castor bean was found to be: methanol/oil molar ratio, 6:1; temperature, 60 C; time, 45 min; catalyst concentration 0.32 g. Quality assessment of bio diesel showed comparable results with ASTM standards. The values of specific gravity (SG) were 0.5, kinematic viscosity 2.45 cSt, acid values 0.13 mg KOH/g, carbon residue 0.03%, flash point 119 C, fire point 125 C, cloud point 10 C and pour point 20 C of Ricinus FAME, respectively. Based on our data, it is suggested that to overcome prevailing energy crisis this non-edible plant is useful for production of bio diesel, which is an alternate to fossil fuel and may be used alone or in blend with HSD in engine combustion