For more clear understanding of biodiesel extraction from the jatropha seeds see the Biodiesel Extraction chart

Transesterification Biodiesel Process

Raw materials required

Jatropha oil

Methanol

Potassium hydroxide

Isopropyl alcohol

Distilled water

Phenolphthalein solution

Vinegar

Water

Manufacturing Process

First jatropha oil is filtered to remove the solid particles present in it. Then it is heated to remove the water contents if any present in it.

Biodiesel is now been used as a diesel engine in number of agencies. The results are said to be comparable with petroleum in all the areas like power, efficiency, climbing, hauling etc.

To determine the amount of catalyst that is required for catalyst.

The accurate amount of potassium hydroxide is mixed with methanol till the methanol completely dissolves to get potassium methoxide.

In the winter season additional jatropha oil is heated and is mixed with the potassium methoxide.

The mixture is allowed to settle. In this process glycerin settles at the bottom and the biodiesel at the top. The glycerin is then removed and the biodiesel is washed and dried.

The biodiesel that is obtained is then checked for quality

Note:

In this process when methanol and potassium hydroxide to produce potassium methoxide which when mixed with oil produces strong polar bond. This breaks the fatty acids into glycerin and biodiesel (esters). These esters later become methyl esters. When the KOH is treated with ethanol it will form ethyl esters.