Biodiesel from rapeseed variety "Banaćanka using KOH catalyst

Abstract

This paper presents a complete characterization of rapeseed oil, of Banaćanka variety, as well as the potential use of oil generated after filtering, in order to obtain biodiesel. The research interest was based on the fact that Banaćanka is the oldest domestic rapeseed variety, a so-called double-zero or 00-rapeseed (low in erucic acid, below 5%, and gluco-sinolates below 30 mmol g-1), suitable for use in the region, since it is low-temperature tolerant, posseses high genetic potential for seed yield of about 5.2 t/ha and high oil content of around 45%. Transesterification was carried out in a Parr 4520 batch reactor, with KOH as a catalyst. Cold pressed oil without prior treatment was used as feedstock for transesterificataion. The paper analyses the effects of temperature, reaction duration, catalyst amount and rate of agitation on the synthesis of biodiesel at constant pressure and molar methanol/oil ratio.