International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Ndubuisi, Elizabeth Chinyerem, Achadu, Michael A., Odunna, Evans Chibuzor
Abstract: This study focuses on the production and optimization of biodiesel derived from waste animal fat, specifically cow fat (beef tallow). The tallow was processed using a dry rendering method to extract oil, which served as the feedstock for transesterification. To optimize biodiesel yield, various alcohol-to-oil molar ratios (5:1, 6:1, and 9:1) were investigated. The physicochemical properties of the rendered oil were assessed to evaluate its suitability for biodiesel production. The final biodiesel product was characterized and benchmarked against the European Standard Specification for unblended biodiesel (EN14214, B100), with results indicating compliance across key parameters. Gas Chromatography analysis revealed that the biodiesel primarily consisted of saturated fatty acid methyl esters, including pentadecanoic acid 14-methyl ester, methyl stearate, methyl tetradecanoate, methyl 13-methyl tetradecanoate, and 9-octadecanoate methyl ester. The prevalence of these saturated compounds significantly influenced the fuel's properties, notably increasing its cloud and pour points. Among the tested conditions, a molar ratio of 9:1 yielded the highest biodiesel output. Overall, the study demonstrates that beef tallow is a viable and compliant feedstock for biodiesel production when processed under optimized conditions.
