NAALANDA PUBLIC SENIOR

CHEMISTRY INVESTIGATORY

NAME : R.RAGHUL

STD : XII

SUBJECT : CHEMISTRY
NAALANDA PUBLIC SENIOR
SECONDARY SCHOOL

NAME : R.RAGHUL
STANDARD : XII
SUBJECT : CHEMISTRY
SUBJECT CODE : 043
ACADAMIC YEAR : 2024-2025
SUBMITTED TO : MRS.S.MADHAVI
MR.J.MAHESH
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I Would Like To Thank My Honourable Chairman

Mr.R.Velmurugan And Honourable Principal
Dr.V.Gugaramanan And School For Providing Me With
Facilities Required To Do My Projects

I Am Highly Indebted To My Chemistry Teachers, Mrs.S.

Madhavi And Mr.J.Mahesh For Their Invaluable Guidance
Which Has Sustained My Efforts In All The Stages Of This
Project On The Topic "Biodiesel"

The Opportunity To Participate In This Project Has Helped Me

Improve My Research Skills And I Am Really Grateful To
Them

I Would Also Like To Thank My Family And Friends For

Constantly Encouraging Me During This Project With
Continuous Encouragement
 This Is To Certify That R.RAGHUL
Student Of Class Xll Of NAALANDA
PUBLIC SENIOR SECONDARY
SCHOOL, Booderi Pullavakkam,
Tiruvannamalai District.Investigatory
Project On Topic Biodiesel.
This Project Is Absolutely Genuine And
Does Not Contain Of Any Plagiarized
Materials. The Reference Taken
In This Project Have Been Declared At The
End Of This Report

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

 TITLES

➢ INTRODUCION

➢ WHAT IS BIODIESEL?

➢ USES OF BIODIESEL

➢ INSTRUCTIONS TO PREPARE

➢ BIODIESEL

➢ BIODIESEL PRODUCTION

➢ TESTING BIODIESEL

➢ BIODIESEL'S FUEL FEATURES

➢ ADVANTAGES OF BIODIESEL

➢ DISADVANTAGES OF BIODIESEL

➢CONCLUSION
INTRODUCTION
Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable fuel that’s produced from
organic sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled
cooking grease. Unlike traditional diesel, which is derived from
petroleum, biodiesel is made through a chemical process called
transesterification. This process involves reacting the oils or fats with
an alcohol (usually methanol) in the presence of a catalyst (often
sodium or potassium hydroxide). The end products are biodiesel and
glycerin, the latter of which can be used in various applications,
including cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Key Characteristics and Benefits of Biodiesel:

1. Renewable and Sustainable: Since it's made from organic
materials, biodiesel can be replenished and is less reliant on
fossil fuels.
2. Biodegradable and Non-toxic: Biodiesel is safer for the
environment and less harmful if spilled, as it degrades faster
than petroleum diesel.
3. Reduced Emissions: Compared to petroleum diesel, biodiesel
emits fewer pollutants, including carbon monoxide,
hydrocarbons, and particulate matter, contributing to better air
quality.
 4. Engine Compatibility: Biodiesel can often be used in existing
diesel engines with little to no modifications. It’s commonly
blended with petroleum diesel in varying percentages (like B20,
which is 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel), or even used
in its pure form (B100).
5. Energy Security and Economic Impact: Producing biodiesel
domestically reduces dependence on imported oil and can
stimulate rural economies through local agricultural production.

Limitations:
While biodiesel has many advantages, it has some limitations. It tends
to have a higher freezing point, which can be an issue in cold weather.
It also has slightly lower energy content than traditional diesel,
meaning fuel economy might decrease slightly. Nonetheless,
advancements in biodiesel production continue to improve its
performance and reduce these downsides.
Biodiesel has grown in popularity as a sustainable energy source,
especially as countries work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
move towards greener energy solutions.

WHAT IS BIODIESEL?
Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable fuel made from organic
sources, such as vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking oil. It
serves as an alternative to traditional petroleum diesel and can be used
in most diesel engines with little to no modifications. Biodiesel is
produced through a chemical process called transesterification, which
involves reacting fats or oils with an alcohol (usually methanol) and a
catalyst. This process results in biodiesel and a byproduct called
glycerin.
Key Advantages of Biodiesel:
• Environmentally Friendly: Biodiesel is biodegradable, non-
toxic, and has lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to
traditional diesel.
• Renewable Source: Unlike fossil fuels, biodiesel comes from
plant and animal sources, which can be renewed and grown.
• Engine Compatibility: Biodiesel blends (like B20, which is
20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel) work in existing
diesel engines, while pure biodiesel (B100) may require minor
adjustments.
Limitations:
Some challenges include a higher freezing point, which can be
problematic in cold climates, and slightly lower energy content than
petroleum diesel, which might reduce fuel efficiency.
USES OF BIODIESEL
Biodiesel has a variety of uses, particularly as a cleaner alternative to
traditional diesel in several industries and applications:

1. Transportation Fuel
• Vehicle Fuel: Biodiesel can be used in cars, trucks, buses, and
other diesel-powered vehicles, either in pure form (B100) or
blended with petroleum diesel (e.g., B20).
• Public Transit: Many cities use biodiesel blends in buses and
fleets to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
2. Agriculture and Construction Equipment
• Farm Machinery: Tractors, harvesters, and other agricultural
equipment often use biodiesel to lower fuel costs and support
sustainable farming practices.
• Construction Vehicles: Bulldozers, cranes, and other heavy
machinery in construction can run on biodiesel, reducing their
environmental impact.
3. Power Generation
• Electricity Production: Biodiesel can fuel generators to
produce electricity, especially in remote areas without access to
the power grid.
• Backup Generators: Used as a cleaner fuel for standby and
emergency power in hospitals, data centers, and other critical
facilities.
4. Heating Applications
• Home Heating: Biodiesel can be blended with heating oil to
create a cleaner-burning option for residential and commercial
heating.
• Industrial Heating: Factories and warehouses can use biodiesel
blends to heat their facilities, helping lower emissions and
reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
5. Environmental and Economic Benefits
• Waste Recycling: Biodiesel production often uses waste
cooking oil, which helps reduce waste and recycle materials.
• Support for Rural Economies: Biodiesel production,
especially when derived from agricultural products, provides
economic benefits to rural areas and farmers.
Instruction to prepare biodiesel
Producing biodiesel at a small scale requires vegetable oil, methanol
(a type of alcohol), and a catalyst, usually sodium hydroxide (lye).
This process, known as transesterification, converts fats in the oil into
biodiesel and a byproduct, glycerin. Here’s a general step-by-step
guide for preparing biodiesel. (Note: Working with chemicals like
methanol and lye can be dangerous; follow proper safety
precautions, including gloves, goggles, and ventilation).

Materials:
1. Vegetable oil (new or used cooking oil)
2. Methanol (available from fuel suppliers or chemical stores)
3. Sodium hydroxide (lye) – be cautious; it's caustic
4. Containers for mixing and settling
5. Safety gear (gloves, goggles, mask)
Instructions:
Step 1: Measure Ingredients
• For every liter of vegetable oil, you will need approximately
200 mL of methanol and about 3.5 grams of sodium
hydroxide (adjust as needed for your batch size).
Step 2: Dissolve the Catalyst
• Carefully mix sodium hydroxide with methanol in a glass or
plastic container until it fully dissolves, creating sodium
methoxide. (This reaction produces heat and fumes, so work in a
well-ventilated area).
Step 3: Heat the Oil
 • Warm the vegetable oil to around 120°F (49°C) in a heat-safe
container. Avoid overheating, as high temperatures can affect the
reaction.
Step 4: Mix Oil and Sodium Methoxide
• Add the sodium methoxide solution to the warmed oil, and
stir continuously for about 20-30 minutes to ensure thorough
mixing.
Step 5: Settling and Separation
• Allow the mixture to sit for at least 12-24 hours. During this
time, the biodiesel will separate and rise to the top, while
glycerin will settle at the bottom.
Step 6: Separate the Biodiesel
• Carefully drain the glycerin from the bottom, leaving only the
biodiesel.
Step 7: Wash the Biodiesel
• To remove impurities, gently wash the biodiesel by adding
water, gently mixing, and allowing it to separate again. Repeat
until the water is clear.
Your biodiesel is now ready for use! Always test it in small quantities
if using it in an engine for the first time.
BIODIESEL PRODUCTION:
Biodiesel production is the process of creating biodiesel fuel from
organic materials, typically through a chemical reaction known as
transesterification. This reaction involves converting oils or fats from
plants, animals, or waste cooking oil into biodiesel and a byproduct,
glycerin. Here’s an overview of the steps involved in biodiesel
production:

1. Raw Material Preparation

• The production process starts by gathering the feedstock, which
may include vegetable oils (like soybean or canola), animal fats,
or used cooking oils.
• The feedstock must be free from water and impurities, as they
can hinder the reaction and affect biodiesel quality.
2. Transesterification Reaction
• The oils or fats are reacted with an alcohol, usually methanol, in
the presence of a catalyst (typically sodium hydroxide or
potassium hydroxide).
• The chemical reaction breaks down the triglycerides in the oil,
resulting in methyl esters (biodiesel) and glycerin.
3. Separation
• After the reaction, the mixture is allowed to settle, and the
biodiesel and glycerin separate naturally. Glycerin settles at the
bottom due to its higher density, while biodiesel rises to the top.
4. Purification and Washing
• The separated biodiesel is purified by washing it with water to
remove any remaining catalyst, alcohol, and contaminants.
• This washing process is repeated until the water runs clear,
indicating that the biodiesel is clean and ready for use.
5. Drying and Final Processing
• The biodiesel is dried to remove any residual water, which can
cause issues in diesel engines.
• After drying, the biodiesel is ready to be stored, tested, and
blended (if necessary) for use in diesel engines.
Byproducts and Their Uses
• Glycerin: A valuable byproduct, glycerin is used in cosmetics,
pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.
• Leftover Methanol: Some methanol can be recovered and
recycled back into the production process.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
Biodiesel production supports renewable energy goals and reduces
waste by recycling used cooking oils and agricultural byproducts.
This process also supports local economies and reduces dependence
on fossil fuels, making biodiesel a sustainable fuel option.
TESTING BIODIESEL:
Testing biodiesel is essential to ensure its quality, performance, and
compatibility with diesel engines. The tests primarily assess
parameters such as purity, chemical composition, and fuel properties.
Here’s an outline of common biodiesel tests:
1. Viscosity Testing
• Purpose: Measures the fuel's thickness or resistance to flow.
• Method: Viscosity is measured at different temperatures, often
using a viscometer, to ensure that the biodiesel can flow
properly in an engine. Biodiesel should fall within a specific
viscosity range for use in diesel engines.
2. Cloud Point and Pour Point Tests
• Purpose: Assess how biodiesel behaves in cold weather.
• Cloud Point: The temperature at which crystals start to form in
the biodiesel, making it look cloudy.
• Pour Point: The lowest temperature at which biodiesel remains
flowable.
• These points are crucial for understanding if the fuel will work
in colder climates or if anti-gel additives are needed.
3. Flash Point Test
• Purpose: Measures the temperature at which biodiesel vapors
ignite.
• Method: Typically done using a closed-cup tester. A higher
flash point in biodiesel ensures safe handling and storage and
distinguishes it from traditional diesel.
4. Water and Sediment Test
 • Purpose: Detects water and sediment that could cause engine
clogging and corrosion.
• Method: Samples are filtered and checked for particulate matter
or water content. Water should be below 500 ppm (parts per
million).
5. Acid Value Test
• Purpose: Measures the free fatty acids in biodiesel, which can
cause corrosion and deposits.
• Method: The acid number is calculated based on titration. A
lower acid number indicates higher fuel stability and quality.
6. Cetane Number Testing
• Purpose: Measures the combustion quality of biodiesel in
compression engines.
• Method: Similar to the octane rating for gasoline, the cetane
number is important for ensuring smooth ignition. A cetane
number above 47 is generally preferred for diesel engines.
7. Density Test
• Purpose: Ensures that biodiesel density matches engine
requirements.
• Method: Density is measured at standard temperatures, as it
affects energy content and fuel efficiency.
8. Free and Total Glycerin Test
• Purpose: Assesses the purity of biodiesel by detecting residual
glycerin.
• Method: Gas chromatography is used to measure the amount of
glycerin remaining after the transesterification process. High
glycerin levels can lead to engine deposits.
BIODIESELS FUEL FEATURES
Biodiesel has several unique features that make it a valuable and
environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum diesel. Here are
some key characteristics:
1. Renewable Source
• Biodiesel is made from renewable resources like vegetable oils,
animal fats, and used cooking oils, making it a sustainable
alternative to fossil fuels.
2. Biodegradable and Non-toxic
• Biodiesel breaks down quickly in the environment, which makes
it safer in cases of spills. It’s also less toxic than petroleum
diesel, reducing risks to both humans and wildlife.
3. Lower Emissions
• Compared to traditional diesel, biodiesel significantly reduces
greenhouse gases and pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO),
sulfur oxides (SOx), particulate matter, and unburned
hydrocarbons. This contributes to improved air quality.
4. Reduced Carbon Footprint
• Biodiesel can reduce net carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by
over 50% compared to petroleum diesel. Since the plants used to
produce biodiesel absorb CO₂ as they grow, the overall carbon
emissions are lower.
5. Higher Cetane Number
• Biodiesel has a higher cetane number than petroleum diesel,
leading to better combustion quality, smoother engine operation,
and easier cold starts. The cetane number generally exceeds 47,
which is ideal for diesel engines.
6. Lubricating Properties
 • Biodiesel provides better lubrication to engine components,
reducing wear and potentially extending engine life. Even at low
blend levels (e.g., B5 or B20), biodiesel can improve the
lubricity of diesel fuel.
7. Compatibility with Diesel Engines
• Biodiesel can often be used in existing diesel engines with little
or no modifications, making it easy to adopt in various
applications. Common blends, such as B20 (20% biodiesel, 80%
petroleum diesel), work in most diesel engines.
8. High Flash Point
• Biodiesel has a higher flash point (around 100°C or 212°F) than
petroleum diesel, making it safer to store, handle, and transport
due to its lower flammability risk.
9. Cold Weather Performance
• Biodiesel tends to have a higher cloud point and pour point,
which can cause gelling in colder temperatures. This is managed
by blending biodiesel with petroleum diesel or adding anti-gel
additives in cold climates.
10. Domestic Production Potential
• Biodiesel production can be localized, reducing dependence on
imported oil, supporting local economies, and creating jobs,
particularly in agriculture and waste processing sectors.
These features make biodiesel a viable alternative to conventional
diesel, particularly for those aiming to reduce environmental impact
and reliance on non-renewable resources.
ADVANTAGES OF BIODIESEL
Biodiesel offers numerous advantages over conventional petroleum
diesel, making it a popular choice for environmentally conscious
energy production and transportation. Here are some of the key
benefits:
1. Environmental Benefits
• Reduced Emissions: Biodiesel produces significantly lower
emissions of pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur
oxides (SOx), particulate matter, and unburned hydrocarbons,
which helps improve air quality.
• Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Biodiesel has a net
reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions because the plants
used to produce it absorb CO₂ during growth, offsetting a
portion of the emissions from combustion.
2. Renewable and Sustainable
• Biodiesel is made from renewable sources, such as vegetable
oils, animal fats, and used cooking oil. These resources can be
replenished relatively quickly, unlike fossil fuels, which take
millions of years to form.
3. Biodegradable and Non-toxic
• Biodiesel breaks down more quickly than petroleum diesel,
which reduces environmental risk in case of spills. Its low
toxicity also makes it safer for humans, wildlife, and aquatic
life.
4. Engine Compatibility
• Biodiesel can be used in most existing diesel engines with little
to no modification, especially in lower blends like B20 (20%
biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel). This compatibility makes it
easy to integrate biodiesel without significant infrastructure
changes.
5. Better Engine Lubrication
• Biodiesel has natural lubricating properties that reduce wear and
tear on engine components, potentially extending the life of
diesel engines and improving performance.

DISADVANTAGE OF BIODIESEL
While biodiesel has many advantages, there are also some
disadvantages that can limit its widespread adoption. Here are the
main challenges associated with biodiesel:
1. Cold Weather Performance
• Gelling: Biodiesel has a higher cloud point and pour point than
petroleum diesel, meaning it can gel or solidify in cold
temperatures, potentially clogging fuel lines and filters.
• Reduced Cold-Weather Reliability: In colder climates,
biodiesel blends or additives are necessary to prevent issues,
which can complicate its use.
2. Lower Energy Content
• Slightly Lower Fuel Efficiency: Biodiesel has about 8–12%
lower energy content per gallon than petroleum diesel, which
can result in slightly reduced fuel economy and performance.
3. Potential Engine Compatibility Issues
• Older Engines: High biodiesel blends (such as B100) may
cause problems in older engines with rubber components, as
biodiesel can degrade rubber and certain types of seals.
• Manufacturers’ Recommendations: Some engine
manufacturers may not cover damages related to biodiesel use,
especially at high blend levels, limiting its adoption in certain
vehicles.
4. Storage Stability
 • Shelf Life: Biodiesel is less stable than petroleum diesel and can
degrade over time, especially when exposed to oxygen, heat, or
moisture. This can lead to storage issues and a shorter shelf life.
• Water Absorption: Biodiesel is hygroscopic, meaning it can
absorb water from the air, which may lead to microbial growth
and contamination if not stored properly.
5. Higher Production Costs
• Cost of Feedstock: Biodiesel production can be more expensive
than petroleum diesel, especially if high-quality feedstocks (like
virgin vegetable oils) are used.
• Economic Viability: Without subsidies or incentives, biodiesel
may be less competitive with petroleum diesel in terms of cost.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, biodiesel presents a promising and sustainable
alternative to conventional fossil fuels, offering a range of
environmental, economic, and performance benefits. As a renewable
fuel derived from organic materials, biodiesel can significantly reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, lower air pollutants, and provide a
biodegradable and non-toxic fuel option. Its compatibility with
existing diesel engines makes it an accessible choice for consumers
and businesses alike, supporting a transition toward cleaner energy
solutions.
However, the challenges associated with biodiesel, including cold
weather performance, production costs, and potential impacts on food
supply and land use, cannot be overlooked. Addressing these issues
through advancements in technology, improved production methods,
and thoughtful policy measures will be essential for maximizing the
potential of biodiesel as a key player in the global energy landscape.