Optimization of biodiesel production from raw and purified bio-oil

In this work, an endeavor has been made to study in detail the biodiesel production from raw and purified vegetable oil. For this purpose, ethyl and methyl esters of biodiesel have been prepared from raw and purified Pungamia oil. It was noted from the experimental results that the use of purified oil improved the biodiesel quality and significantly reduced the amount of catalyst and solvent required for biodiesel production than raw oil. The biodiesel yield of purified oil was also noted to be higher than raw oil. Furthermore, the higher biodiesel yield of around 95% was noted for ethyl esters of purified Pungamia oil than methyl esters.