Production of Biodiesel from Citrullus colocynthis Seeds Oil

Abstract

Abstract: The research on the production of biodiesel has increased significantly in recent years because of the need for an alternative fuel which with biodegradability, low toxicity and renewability. The present study aimed to production biodiesel from Citrullus colocynthis seeds oil and determines its physical and chemical proprieties. The dry seeds of Citrullus Colonythis plant were obtained from Elmatama locality. Citrullus Colonythis seeds were minced and its oil was extracted by using a soxhlet (hexane as solvent. The oil content percent of the seeds was 18.91% and then was subjected to transesterification reaction until the biodiesel (C. Colonythis oil ethyl ester - CCOEE) was produced. Biodiesel properties were investigate which were; kinematic viscosity 9cSt, the calorific value 43.82 MJ/ Kg, the density 0.906 g/, the specific gravity 0.913, the pour point -33C˚, micro carbon residue 0%, Acid value 0.6 mg KOH/g and API number 23.29. The density of CCOEE was found to be closed to the limits specified ASTM standard for biodiesel and diesel fuel which were 0.88 g/m3 and 0.823 g/m3 respectively. The kinematic viscosity of CCOEE measured at 50 °C was higher when it compared with ASTM standard, (1.6 - 6.0) for biodiesel and (1.9 - 4.1) for diesel fuel. While calorific was well within the range of diesel standard 45.5 MJ/kg and the calorific value of biodiesel is 37.27 MJ/kg. Micro Carbone residue was determinate according to ASTM standard method the CCOEE biodiesel (0%)) was found in the range of ASTM, the (0.05%) is maximum limit. The biodiesel produced from CCOEE had a flash point of 55 °C, this result it close to flash point of diesel fuel (52°C) and so far of flash point of biodiesel it was 130°C that made biodiesel is safe for transportation purpose.