Biodiesel is a non-toxic, biodegradable and renewable fuel with the potential to reduce engine exhaust emissions. The methyl ester of palm oil, known as biodiesel, is receiving increasing attention as an alternative fuel for diesel engines.

1. 5.0 Biodiesel
5.1 Palm Oil Methyl Ester as Diesel
Substitute
Name : Nurul Afifah Binti Mohd Yusoff
Student ID : 2013275464
Class : EH110 5B
Lecturer’s Name : Miss NorKamruzita Binti Saadon

2. Introduction
• Biodiesel is a non-toxic, biodegradable and renewable fuel
with the potential to reduce engine exhaust emissions. The
methyl ester of palm oil, known as biodiesel, is receiving
increasing attention as an alternative fuel for diesel engines.

3. Transesterification
• Simple alcohols are used for transesterification and this process is
usually carried out with a basic catalyst (NaOH,KOH) in the complete
absence of water. The bonding of alcohol and organic acid produces
ester.
• An excess of alcohol is needed to accelerate the reaction. With methyl
alcohol glycerol separation occurs readily. If water is present, soap is the
bi-product, which results in decreasing yield of ester. In the
transesterification process alcohol combines with triglyceride molecule
from acid to form glycerol and ester.
• The glycerol is then removed by density separation. Transesterification
decreases the viscosity of oil, making it similar to diesel fuel in
characteristics. A block diagram illustrating the process of producing
biodiesel is given in Figure 1.

5. Advantages
• The data available to date indicate that cold starting is easy and
engines run smoothly with less smoke and reduced content of
carbon particles in the exhaust fumes.
• Palm diesel exhibits fuel properties comparable to those of
petroleum diesel and can be used directly in unmodified diesel
engines.
• The production and usage of palm diesel has great environmental
impact with its closed carbon cycle.
• A fuel switch from fossil fuel to palm diesel will contribute greatly
to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that lead to
global warming.

6. Applications
• Palm-based methyl esters have been
extensively tested as a substitute for diesel in
taxis, buses, lorries, tractors and stationary
engines.

7. References
• http://www.americanpalmoil.com/biodiesel.h
tml
• http://www.palmoilworld.org/PDFs/Biodiesel/
2-joprv17june-ms47_Biodiesel_Env.pdf
• http://www.slideshare.net/SHUBHAMMORGA
ONKAR/study-of-biodiesel-preparation-
properties-for-diesel-engine