T.O.K. Audu

Effect of Variation of Temperature on the Transesterification of Jatropha Seed Oil Using Homogeneous Catalyst

Transesterification is a chemical reaction which produces biodiesel from vegetable oils or animal fats.Transesterification of Jatropha seed oil and methanol with sodium hydroxide as a catalyst was carried out in an improvised batch reactor at different temperatures ranging from 32 65 degrees Celsius for 120minutes each. Molar ratio of methanol to oil used is 8:1.Aliquots of the reaction mixture were withdrawn at every 15 minutes interval of time from the time reaction starts for Gas Chromatographic analysis to determine percentage fatty acid methyl ester formed. The optimum percentage conversion, temperature and reaction time were found to be 99.9%, 65°C and 75minutes respectively. The fuel properties measured according to standard methods, were found to conform to International standard.

Composition of N – Alkanes and Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Jatropha curcas Seed Oil from Different Locations

The hydrocarbon content of Jatropha curcas seed oil obtained from Oleh Community in Delta State, NIFOR farm in Edo State and Ikabigbo in Edo State represented as samples X, Y and Z respectively were investigated using Gas Chromatography with flame ionization detector. The predominant alkanes found in the oil samples are n-Eicosane (C20H42) and n-Docosane (C22H46), while the major polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon found in the oil samples is chrysene. Sample X has the highest percentage of n-Eicosane (65.72%), sample Y has 35.56% n-Eicosane while sample Z has the lowest n-Eicosane (0.23%). Sample Z has the highest percentage of n-Docosane (91.38%), sample Y has 60.11% n-Docosane with sample X being the lowest (22.65%). The percentage of chrysene in sample Y is highest (100%), sample X has 97.47% while sample Z has the lowest percentage of chrysene (44.75%).

Design for Manufacture of a Miniature Batch Reactor

The results of a study into the design for manufacture of a chemical batch reactor for the synthesis of alkyd resin destined for surface-coating production is presented. The procedures for determining the key geometrical parameters of the reactor are explained. This paper presents the application of fertile innovation to the design and development of chemical batch reactor that uses boiler steam in conjunction with heat from efficient wood stove to achieve constant supply of heat, sustained at about 2500C. The design concept is governed by an analytical model developed and which specifies the optimal reactor geometries that would afford efficient heat and mass transfer. Residence time for our reactor is five (5) hours as against eight (8) hours associated with laboratory scale reactors. The performance of the chemical batch reactor during a preliminary test-run was evaluated in terms of the well over 3000C processing temperature achieved and from the result rises hope eternal.

Effect of Lubrication Additives on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Soyabean Oil

The effect of two lubrication additives on the physical and chemical properties of refined soybean oil was studied. The two additives used were a complex blend of anti-oxidant; anti-wear and pour-point depressant-AP821 and AP820- used in the production of Super v and Visco 2000 brands of lubricants respectively. The physical and chemical properties of the soybean oil and base oil samples containing varying percent by volume of each additive were analysed. Results obtained show that the flashpoint of soybean oil increased from 256.6oC to 265oC and 284oC for the AP821 and AP820 additives respectively. This was better than the increase recorded for the base oil which increased from 208oC to 215 oC and 228oC for the AP821 and AP820 additives respectively. Other results obtained for pour point reduction, specific gravity and viscosity showed a positive effect of the additives on soybean oil.