Optimization of the production of biodiesel from soybean oil and engine performance tests

In this study, the biodiesel production process from the mixture of soybean oil is optimized by using alkali catalyzer single phase reaction. The optimization process is performed as depending on the parameters such as catalyst concentration, methanol/oil ratio, reaction temperature and reaction time. As the consequence of this study, optimum biodiesel production efficiency was obtained 86 % at the 0.75 wt % sodium hydroxide concentrate as catalyst, 20 wt% methanol/oil ratio, 90 min reaction time and 60 °C reaction temperature. After fuel characteristics of the biodiesel obtained for optimum circumstances were determined, the effect of biodiesels usage to engine performance and smoke emission were investigated by using a diesel engine was equipped with single cylinder and direct injection. The using of biodiesels of soybean oil engine power and engine torque have decreased and specific fuel consumption has increased comparison with the conventional diesel fuel. In addition to this, the carbon deposit and CO emissions were decreased but the NOx emission was increased by using biodiesel.