Biodiesel Production using Non Edible Seeds oils From Himalaya Range of Pakistan

Abstract

Depending upon the recent Global scenario of energy crisis, biodiesel has become a very fascinating alternative to overcome this situation. The present research work is based upon the biodiesel production from non-edible seed oils of family Cucurbitaceae. The species namely Cucurbita maxima L. and Momordica charantia L. were under investigation for the production of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAMEs). Oil content of Cucurbita maxima L is 44.4% while that of Momordica charantia L is 16.87%. They were further subjected to Transesterification and converted successfully into FAMEs. Optimizations were carried out with oils of both species by variating the Catalyst concentration, temperature, reaction time and alcohol to oil ratio. Maximum biodiesel production along with glycerin formation were noted. The oils and biodiesel samples were further analyzed by using FT-IR and NMR. Fuel properties such as Kinematic viscosity, Cloud point, Pour point, Flash point, Density, Sulphur content and acid no. were determined. Results prove both the species to be very potential source for future perspectives.