Study of Enhanced Reactive Extraction Process Using Ultrasonication for <i>Jatropha</i> c<i>urcas</i> Seed

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility and positive effects of ultrasonication toward Jatropha Curcas seed reactive extraction process. Ultrasonic-assisted oil extraction from Jatropha seed were compared with conventional stirring method of a shaker bath at varied conditions such as seed sizes (&lt;1.0 – 4.0 mm), temperature (30 – 60°C) and time (1 – 60 min). The results revealed that a swift and complete Jatropha oil extraction can be achieved with the aid of ultrasound influenced mostly by temperature and reaction time differences. Transesterification conversion were confirmed with NMR revealing the presence of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAMEs) in the solution mixture. Enhanced effect by the ultrasonication were evidenced for a better and faster extraction whilst simultaneously converting Jatropha oil into biodiesel.

Ultrasonicated Jatropha Curcas Seed Residual as Potential Biofuel Feedstock

“…A reactive extraction experiment was conducted using a probe sonicator consists of S.S. Velocity Horn fitted with PZT Crystals operating at a frequency of 20 KHz and 120 Watts. Irradiation of mixed reactants occurs in a 500 mL round bottom flasks for 10 minutes because it is already sufficient for biodiesel production [13,27] and already within the proposed ultra-sonication pretreatment time in the range of 0.5 to 150 minutes [28,29]. Dried Jatropha seeds were weighted into the flasks filled with pre-heated reactant mixture which consists of catalyst within the solvent of ethanol plus n-hexane for completed polar and non-polar lipid contents.…”

“…This in-situ process eliminates the requirement of pre-extraction process by directly using the oil-bearing seed. This process has been studied for different oil crop seeds including Jatropha [7][8][9][10][11][12][13], castor [14][15][16], sunflower seed [17], cottonseed [18], soybean [19,20] and rapeseed [21]. It is a technological advancement to reduce biodiesel production cost by integrating multiple biodiesel processing stages which constitute over 70% of the overall cost, even when using refined oil as feedstock [22].…”

“…Furthermore, addition of ultrasonication could induce mechanical treatment for disrupting biological structure and increase the surface area [24] while enhancing the saccharification of cellulose for maximum cavitation effect at 50 o C [25]. Moreover, the thermal temperature employed in the process could deactivate the toxic phorbol ester while producing crude biodiesel, glycerol by-product and complete deoiled seed residues [13].…”