School of Engineering

ENG 2513Multidisciplinary Engineering Design

REPORT ofBriefcase Size Biodiesel Plant from House Waste Cooking Oil

Marwan M. ShamelNurhazwani Ismail

Choon Zhe ShyiCE1101G13204

Content Page1. Abstract32. Introduction33. Design Solution44. Results and Discussion175. Conclusion and Recommendation266. References277. Appendices28

AbstractThe objective of building a miniature size biodiesel tank is to build awareness to the society into adapting sustainability. The target population is the villagers from the rural areas as it will help them in increasing their monthly income by using their used cooking oil to be converted in to biodiesel. The objectives and challenges of this project are clearly presented in the introduction. Besides, the business value is also estimated in this section. Next, design solution shows concise description about project, details of the improvement made over previous design and limitations and boundary conditions of the design. The product is then tested and results are recorded and discussion is made regarding the formation of biodiesel, selection of power sources and choice of materials. At last, conclusion and recommendation section have included report conclusion, important results and improvement/ recommendation and limitations. Furthermore, the last section of this report includes all the figures, tables, graphs pertaining to chemical and mechanical disciplines.INTRODUCTION We live in an age where oil acquisition and consumption dominate the course of national and international politics throughout much of the world. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the United States, where 25% of the worlds oil is consumed.(1)Our dependence on oil is responsible for many of the greatest environmental, health, and security problems our nation faces today. Finding a way to ease our dependence on oil presents one of the paramount challenges of our age. [1]Biofuels, such as biodiesel and bioethanol, are widely derived from biomass (plants and other organic waste) and provide an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. These fuels have many different applications. In rural areas they can power mechanised milling or small scale electrification systems. In the cities, biofuels are especially used in the transport sector adding to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. [2]One cannot deny the fact that we are living in a period of time where precious resource such as petroleum and metals are becoming scarce as they are being excavated time and time by the human hands. With the decreasing abundance of these materials, the impact that can be seen which affects us directly is the hiking of prices of these precious resources.Basically, biodiesel is made by allowing vegetable oil or animal oil goes through a process known as transesterification, a process whereby the oils are chemically reacted with alcohol and a catalyst under basic condition. To initiate the process, the amount of base (KOH) required to neutralize the free fatty acids in oil and amount needed as catalyst is calculated and slowly added to the alcohol and it is stirred until it dissolves [2]. The solution of base and alcohol is then added to a warm solution of waste oil. The mixture is heated at 50C for several hours. Although the reaction only takes place during the first few minutes after the solution of base and alcohol is added to the oil, a longer period of time (4 8 hours typically) will lead to a more efficient production of biodiesel. In this project, different ratio of ethanol/methanol to waste cooking oil and amount of potassium hydroxide are determined and a briefcase size plant which incorporates the need of heating, stirring process by the reaction and also extraction of biodiesel from the mixture is designed.

The challenge of this project comes from chemical and mechanical both parts. Starting from chemical, the main challenges are difficulty in determine exact amount of potassium hydroxide needed for reaction. This base serves in two purposes: 1) neutralize the free fatty acid 2) speed up the reaction as a catalyst. The amount added must not too little and excess. The former one will cause excess free fatty acids in oil which directly affects the yield of biodiesel produced whereas the latter one will cause the formation of soap between the biodiesel layer and glycerol [3]. Besides, it is also a challenge when determining the amount of ethanol/ methanol because different solution and different ratio will lead to different conversion percentage and quality. As for the mechanical part, the main challenge is integrates the most suitable power source, stirring mechanism and simplest way

Design SolutionCHEMICAL PARTAccording to the research on the production of biodiesel, the scientific name for the reaction is transesterification. During transesterification, alcohol needs to be added into the clean waste cooking oil with catalysis by potassium hydroxide, KOH under a condition of 60 oC [4]. However, after discussion among group members, there are some issue and challenges that need to concern and solve. 1. Selection of materials (methanol or ethanol)1. Volumetric ratio of waste cooking oil to alcohol1. The importance and necessary of constant heating and stirring.After a series of experiment was done, methanol was chosen as the reactant. This is because methanol has low cost and it is physically and chemically advantageous. It is polar and the shortest chain alcohol. From the observation of experiment, reaction with methanol give a higher yield compare to the reaction with ethanol (refer to appendix 1 and 2). Reaction with ethanol will form soap and hence reduce the yield.The experiment by using the ratio of waste cooking oil to methanol of 1:6, 1:5, 2:3 and 5:1 were carried out. All the other conditions were kept constant. The ratio of 5:1 of oil to methanol was decided to use because this ratio give sufficient amount of biodiesel which is suitable for a small scale production (refer to appendix 1).Experiment results show that constant stirring is necessary for the reaction. The reaction without stirring will take extremely long time up to 2 to 3 hours for the conversion. This cause an inconvenient to the person who using our product. Therefore, a conclusion saying that stirring is required during the reaction had made. On the other hand, constant heating is required in order to simplify the steps to use our model. This is because transesterification is actually an exothermic reaction. The amount of heat released during the reaction is sufficient enough to keep the temperature at around 60 oC . Although the temperature will start dropping after the heat source is removed for certain period, the reaction still can perform well within the temperature from 50 oC to 60 oC. Furthermore, the reaction will actually take place at the first few minutes only. However, the mixture was kept in the reaction tank for half an hour to make sure that all conversion is done.After that, the amount of base needed to neutralize the free fatty acid in waste cooking oil must be determined by using simple titration method. Apparatus and materials1. 1L volumetric flask1. 50cm3 burette1. 10 ml beaker1. Measuring cylinder1. 1ml of waste cooking oil1. 5.611g of potassium hydroxide(KOH)1. Distilled water1. 10ml of propan-1-ol1. Phenolphthalein

Procedures to determined the amount of base needed to neutralize the free fatty acid in waste cooking oil1. A 1M of potassium hydroxide solution is produced by diluting 5.611g of potassium hydroxide (KOH) into a 1L volumetric flask. 1. The 1M potassium hydroxide solution is then transferred into a 50cm3 burette. 1. A 1ml sample of WCO (Waste cooking oil) is measured and placed in a 10 ml beaker containing 10ml of propan-1-ol. 1. 1 drop of phenolphthalein is then added in to the WCO-propan-1-ol mixture. The mixture is then swirled to ensure WCO and the phenolphthalein is dissolve in the propan-1-ol . 1. The experiment is then set up as shown in the diagram 1.1. The burette is then turned on slowly for the 1M potassium hydroxide solution to be added in to the beaker until the first permanent pink is appeared.1. The amount of potassium hydroxide is then recorded. 1. Step 6~7 is repeated for 4 sets to obtain an accurate reading for the titration. 1. The average reading is then used to calculate the amount of base needed to add into the WCO to neutralize the free fatty acid by using the formula: Amount of base (KOH) required, x = Average base used in the experiment x VolumeNext, trans-esterification can simply done by following the methods below.Apparatus and materials1. Beakers (800ml, 200ml)1. Measuring cylinders1. Oil filter1. Heater with magnetic stirrer1. Thermometer1. 500ml of waste cooking oil1. 100ml of methanol1. (x + 5.0)g of potassium hydroxide (KOH)Remark: x refers to the amount of base needed to neutralize the free fatty acid. Since the chemical substances used for both neutralization and catalyst are the same which is potassium hydroxide, hence the total amount of potassium hydroxide required for the reaction is equal to (x + 5.0)g. Procedures1. The waste cooking oil was filtered using an oil filter.1. 500ml of clean waste cooking oil was measured using a measuring cylinder. The oil is then heated to 60oC with constant stirring using the heater.1. Temperature on the thermometer was observed.1. 100ml of methanol was measured using a measuring cylinder.1. (x + 5.0)g of potassium hydroxide(KOH) was dissolved into the 100ml of methanol in another beaker.1. The heat source was removed. The mixture of methanol and KOH was slowly poured to the 500ml clean waste cooking oil.1. The mixture was left aside for reaction with constant stirring for 1 hour.1. After 1 hour, the stirrer was removed and the mixture was left aside for settlement.1. The changes were observed.After few hours, two layer of liquid can be clearly observed. The light yellow solution on top is likely to be biodiesel while the bottom layer will be glycerin. The biodiesel can simply separated by pouring it out to another beaker with extra careful. pH of the biodiesel was checked by using pH meter. It found to be slightly alkali. Therefore, titration needed to be done again to find out the amount of hydrochloric acid that needed to neutralize it.Apparatus and materials1. 1L volumetric flask1. 50cm3 burette1. 10 ml beaker1. Measuring cylinder1. 5ml of biodiesel1. Phenolphthalein1. Distilled waterProcedures to determine the amount of 0.1M hydrochloric acid solution needed to add into the biodiesel to neutralize the excess potassium hydroxide by titration. 1. A 0.1M of Hydrochloric acid solution is produced by using volumetric dilution. 1. The 0.1M of Hydrochloric acid solution is then transferred into a 50cm3 burette. 1. A 5ml sample of Biodiesel is measured and placed in a 50 ml beaker 1. 1 drop of phenolphthalein is then added in to the Biodiesel. The mixture is then swirled to ensure biodiesel and the phenolphthalein is thoroughly mixed. 1. The experiment is then set up as shown in the diagram. 1. The burette is then turned on slowly for the 0.1M of Hydrochloric acid solution to be added into the beaker until the drop of 0.1M of Hydrochloric acid solution turns the colour of the solution in the beaker from pink to colourless. 1. The amount of 0.1M of Hydrochloric acid solution is then recorded. 1. Step 6~7 is repeated for 4 sets to obtain an accurate reading for the titration. 1. The average reading is then used to calculate the amount of 0.1M hydrochloric acid solution needed to add into the biodiesel to neutralize the excess base by using the formula: Amount of acid required = Average acid used in the experiment x VolumeDifferent approaches to Biodiesel ConversionIn trans-esterification process to convert WCO to Biodiesel, different catalyst approach is used eg. via using enzymes or using direct heating method.

The reaction trans-esterification process using base catalyst.Conditions: (60oC 1atm ) [5]

Figure.

The trans-esterification process WCO using base catalyst is reacted with an strong and reactive alcohol such as methanol or ethanol to produce esters which is the biodiesel and by-product alcohol with the presence of external heat. This reaction is carried out at 55oC ~60 oC to ensure high rate of reaction. The yield produce for the base catalyst reaction are the same for refined and unrefined yield. According to journal, the specific volume of both refined and unrefined biodiesel after the trans-esterification reactions has a difference of only 6% greater than the diesel oil. As for the downside of base catalyst trans-esterification process of WCO, the bio-product of the reaction which is the glycerol might cause saponification in the biodiesel. The soap formed is difficult to be removed from the biodiesel. The removal of water that are used to wash the base catalyst out of the biodiesel are also hard to remove from the refined yield. [6]

The reaction of enzyme approach of trans-esterification process Conditions: (38 oC 1atm ) [5]Figure The enzyme driven catalyst for the WCO trans-esterification process involved using live enzyme from microorganism to catalyze the reaction into high purity yield which can be easily separated from glycerol. Enzymes use can also be used for multiple reactions. Although the high purity of the enzyme conversion factor, the enzyme dependent trans-esterification reactions are involved in multiple complex reaction [4] which may cause the goal of main artifact challenge to failed as reaction must be simple to operate. The usage if enzymatic in the process also had been proven to produce low quantity of yield and its only effective on large scale of biodiesel production.

Rate of ReactionThere are ways to increase the rate of reaction of trans-esterification reaction using base catalyst which can increase the production of biodiesel. By getting in to fundamental of chemistry, there are several ways factors that could increase the rate and quality of biodiesel produced. As an engineer, we must ensure that both quality and quantity of biodiesel are conserved in a standard and time/cost efficient way. The increase in rate of reactions means the reduction of time consumption of biodiesel process as the goal of the biodiesel stated were conversion of biodiesel takes place in only one night.

To secure the high rate of reaction for the conversion of WCO to biodiesel via trans-esterification process, there are certain factors need to be included to ensure the rate of reaction of the process increased. Factors that must be added into the trans-esterification process are such as presence of heating, presence of stirring, type of reactants, presence of catalyst.

Mechanical PartMETAL FRAMEMATERIAL AND APPARATUS1.1mm thickness 20mm x 20mm hollow stainless steel bar2.Grinding machine3.Milling machine4.Welding machine5.Cutting machinePROCEDURE1. Hollow stainless steel bar is measured and cut into four of 200mm, two of 350mm, three of 450mm and two of 670mm respectively.2.Both ends of the 20cm hollow stainless steel bars are marked with 45 incline and cut as shown in appendix.3.Rough edges of the cut surface are grinded.4.Three holes of 13.5mm diameter are marked and drilled on the 50cm hollow stainless steel bar as shown appendix. (27.5cm centre, step 4.5)5.Voltage output of the welding machine is adjusted to 14.0V and the wire speed is modified to meet user preference.6.The hollow stainless steel bars are welded in such an arrangement as shown in appendixACRYLIC BOXMATERIAL AND APPARATUS1.15mm thickness acrylic glass2.7 x metal L-bracket 18 x 22 x T-3mm3.16 x M4-1x10 screw4.2 x door lock5.2 x door hinge6.2 x 195mm length 8mm diameter shaft with 1.75mm thread7.4 x 1.75mm thread nuts8.1 x wire gauze9.Jigsaw10.Grinding machine11. Drilling machinePROCEDURE1.The 15mm thickness acrylic glass is measured and cut into one of 140mm x 140mm, two of 140mm x 230mm, one of 155mm x 230mm, and one of 170mm x 230mm. 2.Edges of the acrylic glass are grinded to a flat and smooth surface.3.The 140mm x 140mm acrylic glass is then cut as shown in appendix.4.Different sizes of holes are then drilled at specific locations on each of the smaller pieces of acrylic glass.5.L-brackets, door hinges and door locks are then fitted into the holes on the acrylic glass.6.Two 195mm of shaft with thread are inserted at the bottom of the acrylic box and a piece of wire gauze is placed on top of it. 7.The final product is shown in the appendix.

BOTTLE CAPSBOTTLE CAP WITH VALVEMATERIAL AND APPARATUS1.1 x bottle cap2.1 x PVC pipe fitting/male thread fitting with rubber washer and nut3.1 x 17mm diameter PVC pipe4.PVC glue5.Teflon pipe tape6.1 x inch ball valve7.Grinding machinePROCEDURE1.Ball valve is connected to the PVC pipe fitting through a 17mm PVC pipe, and PVC glue is applied to secure the connection.2.A hole of approximately 27mm is drilled at the center of the bottle cap.3.The thread side of the PVC pipe fitting is slowly screwed into the bottle cap from the top of it.4.The nut is grinded to a small size in order to fit onto the bottle cap.5.Teflon pipe tape is applied around the thread of the PVC pipe fitting in order to prevent leakage.6.Nut is tightened to the PVC pipe fitting to secure the fitting to the bottle cap.7.The final product is shown in the appendix.

BOTTLE CAP WITH STIRRERMATERIAL AND APPARATUS1.1 x Bottle cap2.1 x 12V torque motor3.1 x propeller shaft4.1 x 3 blades propeller5.1 x cardan joint6.1 x allen key7.Soldering tool with soldering iron8.Wire9.Switch10.Battery holder11.2 x AA rechargeable battery12.1 x Rubber washer13.Hot glue gun14.Drilling machinePROCEDURE1.A small hole of slightly bigger than the shaft of the motor is drilled at the center of the bottle cap.2.Motor is secured on top of the bottle cap by attaching it to a piece of rubber washer and is attached to the bottle cap using hot glue gun.3.Propeller is connected to the bottom of the shaft, and the top of the shaft is then connected to the motor shaft through a cardan joint. Allen key is used to tighten the cardan joint.4.A simple circuit consisting of battery, switch and motor is connected by soldering.5.The final product is shown in the appendix.ASSEMBLY OF THE FINAL PRODUCTMATERIAL AND APPARATUS1.Frame2.Acrylic box3.Bottle cap with valve/ bottle cap with stirrer4.2 x 12mm diameter stainless steel shaft5.M12-1.5x50 screw6.M5-1x20 screw7.M4-1x20 screw8.Allen key91 x 2L laboratory glass bottlePROCEDURE1.Both of the journals bearing with bearing housing are secured on both sides of the frame using M12-1.5x50 bolt and nut.2.The shaft clamp is attached to the side of the acrylic box using M5-1x10 screw.3.Stainless steel shafts are used to connect the frame and acrylic box through the journal bearings, and are tightened using Allen key on the bearing and M4-1x10 screws on the shaft clamps.4.The laboratory glass bottle can be fitted with either one of the bottle caps for desired functions. 5.The final product is shown in the appendix.

Limitations and Boundary ConditionsA perfect project is a project that has met all the required objectives or targets that has been set out prior to the commencement of the project. However, a perfect project does not guarantee a flawless project without its limitations and boundary conditions. Thus, it can also be said that the mini biodiesel plant does have its limitations and boundary conditions. This can be seen in the form of it not being able to cater to the needs of families of many people. The biodiesel usage will definitely exceed the biodiesel production of a large family and this cannot be rectified in the design whatsoever as the conversion rate for waste cooking oil to biodiesel is fixed. Also, another limitation that has been imposed on the project is the compulsory usage of oil lamps. This is a cheaper alternative to heat up the cooking oil and is a more viable option for the villagers who live in poverty in rural areas. This usage of oil lamp produces less heat when compared to a Bunsen burner and thus it cannot be helped that the time taken to heat the waste cooking oil to the desired temperature increases. Also, the usage of electricity is prohibited as this facility is somewhat limited to the villagers in rural areas. A motor is used instead to provide the stirring component required for the reaction. This is another limitation as the batteries will run out unlike electricity and maintenance has to be done. However, it does cut cost for the villagers and could also be considered as an indirect advantage to the project.

DiscussionChemical PartFFA Neutralisation

The waste cooking oil contains free fatty acid that will affect the conversion trans-esterification. The presence of the free fatty acids will cause the biodiesel to differ from the biodiesel yield as the FFA will cause soap to form instead of the methyl-ester(biodiesel).In order to determine the FFA present in the WCO sample, A 0.1M of KOH solution is prepared. A 1 ml sample of oil is added into a beaker containing 10ml of propan-1-ol which acts as a solvent for the oil. The beaker also contains 2 drops of phenolphthalein. Then the neutralization process is carried out by the titration process.Initial burette readings. (ml)30.0030.8031.65

Final burette readings. (ml)30.8031.6532.45

The volume of diluted KOH used. (ml)0.800.850.80

Table 1: The readings of amount KOH solution needed to neutralized FFA of 1ml oil.As shown in the results, the average amount of KOH solution used to neutralized the FFA of 1 ml oil is 0.816ml. As the concentration of KOH solution used in the titration process was 0.1mol/l and the molecular weight of KOH is 56.1056g/mol we can know that the KOH mol that were needed to neutralize the FFA in 1ml of oil. Then the KOH weight required for neutralize 500ml of oil is calculated. [6]KOH mol used in titrating FFA of 1 ml of oil (mol) = Volume used in titration x Concentration of acid = =8.167 x10^-5 mol.

The weight of KOH used to = Mol x Molecular weightneutralized FFA of 1 ml oil (g) = 8.167 x10^-5 mol x 56.1065 g/mol = 4.5822 x 10^-3 g

The weight required to neutralize 500mlof oil = 4.5822 x 10^-3 g x 500ml = 2.2911 g is required o neutralize 500ml of WCO.

Base catalyst neutralizationThe biodiesel produced has a pH 8 which is slightly alkali. Some acid should be added to neutralize it so that it is well-functioning. [8]The molarity of hydrochloric acid (HCl) provided from laboratory is 10M. The concentration of HCl is diluted to 0.1 so that the titration can be conducted under a safer environment. Equation 3 shows the formula to calculate the distilled water needed to dilute the HCl solution in a 500ml volumetric flask.M1V1 = M2V2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(7)Where M is the molarity of HCl, V is the volume of distilled water. Therefore, 10 V1 = 0.1(0.5)V1= 5x10-3 LTherefore 5 ml of HCl is required to produce a HCl solution with 0.1M in a 500ml volumetric flask. Table 2 shows the experimental readings of HCl needed to neutralize 5ml of biodiesel.Initial burette readings. (ml)61.0061.2061.40

Final burette readings. (ml)61.2061.4061.60

The volume of diluted HCl used. (ml)0.200.200.2

Table 2 : The readings of amount HCl needed to neutralized 5ml of biodiesel produced.The results from table 2 show that 0.2ml of 0.1M of HCl solution is needed to neutralize 5ml of biodiesel produced. Hence, in order to obtain 100ml of better biodiesel, 4ml of 0.1M HCl should be added to the initial product drained out from the separation tank.

Mechanical PartMetal frame The original metal frame (see appendix figure) is made of aluminum bar with weight of 100 N for each meter. To construct a metal frame for our project, it would require a total 4.2 m long of aluminum bar. Thus, the total weight of the metal frame would be 4.2m x 100 N/m= 420N. The aluminum frame is then replaced with stainless steel bar which has weight of 90N for every meter. Hence, if the metal frame is made of stainless steel instead of aluminum (see appendix figure), the total weight will be reduced to 4.2 m x 90 N/m= 378N, which is less than the weight of original metal frame. The original L-shaped support (see appendix figure) is replaced by two supporting bars (see appendix figure) at which two ends of each bar is cut off 45 to the vertical. Main reason is the L-shaped support does not help in reduce the tension in the truss as the two supporting bars acting horizontally which do not help to share the load in vertical direction. [9] On the other hand, when the two 45 slanted bars are resolved to their respective horizontal and vertical component; the vertical component or each bar helps to share the weight of the metal frame. Next, the original bar is lifter up by using the L-shaped support and then it is replaced to a single metal bar (see appendix figure). Since both of them serve the purpose, moreover the former one adds weight to the overall design, thus the latter one is chosen as a new design.

Bearing The older design had one missing bearing (see appendix figure) and the bearing that is used is pillow blocks (see appendix figure). Pillow blocks with bearings mounted in rigid housings of simple construction are the most common bearing units. [10] They are extensively used for various kinds of transmission equipment and machinery. The pillow block is replaced by Oval Flanged Units (see appendix figure). These bearing housings have oval flanges which can be easily installed onto a machine with two bolts. This type of bearing unit is suitable where mounting space is limited or where it is necessary to minimize the distance between shafts. The reason why over flanged unit is chosen over pillow blocks type bearing because pillow blocks require two extra metals to mount on top and this will add weight to the overall design. Furthermore, the second type bearing is more suitable because it helps to reduce spaces due to the briefcase size biodiesel plant has limited spaces. Holder for the glass As mentioned above, the trans-esterification process needs heating during conversion of waste cooking oil to biodiesel. However, the old design did not have space for heating as the bottom part of the glass is placed on a piece of acrylic glass (see appendix figure). The new design allows heating process to take place by leaving the base emptied and the base is replaced by two bolts where wire gauze will mount on top of it (see appendix figure). The presence of wire gauze is important as direct heating to tank is hazardous. Next, the faulty of the old design is difficulty in taking out the glass (see appendix figure). The main reason the glass needs to be taken out is to fill it in with waste cooking oil and extract biodiesel when reaction is done besides washing. The new design is designed in such a way that one of the acrylic pieces is made to be open-able; where one side is connected via door hinge (see appendix figure) while another side is screwed with a door lock(see appendix figure). [11] In addition, a hole which has a shape as show in figure (see appendix figure) is drilled to the upper acrylic piece to enable the glass to be smoothly taken out.

Shaft clamp The original shaft is welded to a screw and the screw is welded to a metal plate and metal plate holds the whole glass bottle by using bolt and nut (see appendix figure). Although welding is simpler, faster and more cost effective, it is not suitable because welds often contain defects. So in practice welding is less reliable, less predictable than other methods. Problems caused by faulty bolts are relatively rare; problems caused by bad welds are fairly common. Obviously, welding creates a permanent joint, not desirable if parts need to be fixed or replaced later. Welding very thin sheets is difficult, in some situation rivets or screws are more cost-effective for thin sheet metal. [12] Thus, it is replaced with a stainless steel shaft clamp (see appendix figure). The shaft is connected to the clamp by using Allen screw (see appendix figure) because the shaft can be easily disassembled with the clamp just by using an Allen key.

Handle, Oil lamp and CapThe end of the shaft of the original design has no handle. A handle makes the product more ergonomically as there is lesser pressure point acting on the hand compared to a product with no handle. [13] Besides, the heating process and stirring process could not take place in the old tank due to absence of oil lamp and motor cap. Extraction of biodiesel is also impossible because there is no valve to control the flow of the mixture. Hence, a handle (see appendix figure) is made by welding it to one end of the shaft and this would enable the acrylic box to turn easily and ergonomically. Next, the oil lamp (see appendix figure) is made by recycling a small bottle, filled with kerosene as a source fuel. Lastly two different caps (motor cap used in stirring and valve cap used in extraction (see appendix figure) are prepared.Heat SourceThere are several heat sources that have been experimented on for the heating of the used cooking oil from room temperature to 60oC. Among the sources that have been experimented on, the best source has been picked and analysed to ensure that the heating of the used cooking oil would be fast and efficient.[14] However, there is a limitation that has been imposed on us. This limitation comes in the form of prohibiting the use of a Bunsen burner as a heat source. Therefore, the next best heating source that has been chosen is an oil lamp with kerosene as its fuel. Below is the analysis done on the Bunsen burner and the oil lamp:Bunsen burnerTime (min)03691213.9

Temperature (oC)283339485660

Table 3: Heating of used cooking oil with Bunsen burner

Graph 4: Heating curve of Bunsen burner for used cooking oil

KeroseneTime (min)051015202526.25

Temperature (oC)28303443525860

Table 3: Heating of used cooking oil with oil lamp and kerosene

Graph 2: Heating curve of oil lamp and kerosene for used cooking oil

Most importantly, what has to be considered for the stake holders which are the people of rural areas is the simplicity of the project. Therefore, the exact volume of kerosene needed to heat the used cooking oil to 60oC is calculated and the user needs only to input that volume of kerosene to the oil lamp and let it run. The kerosene will be used finished just as the temperature of the used cooking oil reaches 60oC. For this purpose, experiments have been done to calculate the exact volume of kerosene to heat the used cooking oil to a temperature of 60oC.As shown graph 1, we can see that as the time taken for the cooking oil increase as the rate

Amount of kerosene neededTemperature(oC)28303443525860

Volume of kerosene present in oil lamp(mL)200186169153133122117.5

Table 5: Volume of kerosene present in the oil lamp with respect to time

Graph 3: Graph of Volume of Kerosene Present in Oil Lamp against TemperatureFrom the results of the experiment and the graphs that are plotted, the volume of kerosene needed can be calculated based on the formula:

Therefore, from the experimental results:Volume of kerosene needed = 200 117.5 = 82.5mLThe marketability of this project is decent as well. The cost of this mini biodiesel plant would not be expensive as the materials used in its construction are relatively cheap such as acrylic, a glass bottle, bearing and a stainless steel stand. Thus, the price if it were to go on the market would be affordable by the villagers of the rural areas. Also, this serves as a long term investment as the conversion process is repeatable and in the long run the cost saved by using biodiesel over petrol will exceed that of its original buying price. Not only that, the concept of converting waste cooking oil which is usually disposed of after being used into useful biodiesel is another point which makes it all the more marketable. All in all, this product will definitely fare well in the market and will also generate profit for both parties be it the buyer or seller.

MaterialEstimated Price

Acrylic pieceRM10

Glass bottleRM20

BearingRM30

Stainless SteelRM50

Metallic PaintRM3

Total costRM113

Table 1: Estimated manufacturing cost

Based on this estimate of the total manufacturing cost, let the profit margin be a 50% profit margin. With this, the price that the product enters the market would be:

RM113 * 1.15 = RM169.5

A price of approximately RM169.5 is not too expensive and is a good investment to make as it serves as a long term investment. This will definitely benefits the buyers in long term.

Conclusion and RecommendationsIt can be concluded that the project is a success as the biodiesel that was produced was able to run the diesel engine. Not only that, the biodiesel produced was found to be better in several aspects such as less carbon monoxide and nitrogen monoxide emission from the exhaust fumes of the engine that a B-5 grade biodiesel. The entire chemical process of the project can basically be broken down into several sections which are the filtration of waste cooking oil, heating of waste cooking oil, stirring and mixing of the reactants, separation of glycerol from biodiesel, washing of biodiesel and lastly neutralization and blending of biodiesel. The ratio that was chosen in the reaction was a ratio of 1:5 methanol to waste cooking oil which was found out through experiment to produce the highest yield of biodiesel. An appropriate amount of potassium hydroxide (KOH) has to be added to neutralize the free fatty acids (FFA) present in waste cooking oil and also function as a catalyst for the entire process. The biodiesel produced has to be neutralized as well through the addition of the appropriate amount of 0.1M hydrochloric acid (HCl) as within the biodiesel there is the unreacted catalyst KOH which would cause the biodiesel to be slightly basic (pH 8). Regarding the mechanical part of the project, several problems were posed such as the banning of electricity to stir the reactants and a Bunsen burner in the project due to the fact that it defeats the purpose of producing the project for the poor villagers of rural areas who most likely would be unable to purchase the product if it were too expensive. Thus, the solutions to these problems came in the form of stirrer attached to a motor powered by two AA batteries to perform the stirring and the usage of an oil lamp and kerosene after to heat the waste cooking oil. The choice of these alternatives was considered thoroughly as explained in the report and is much cheaper than the alternatives. A recommendation that can be made regarding the project is to allow the usage of electricity in the project. Electricity usage would simplify many aspects of the project such as allowing an electric stirrer, a circuit to open the door of the acrylic automatically and also to invert the glass box.

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