This study investigated the optimum condition for biodiesel production at varying temperatures and time using melon (Cucumeropsismannii), groundnut (Arachis hypogea), and soya bean (Glycine max) seed oils. Extraction of oil from Cucumeropsismannii, Arachis hypogea, and Glycine max was accomplished using n-hexane (67.7-69.2oC) as the solvent. Biodiesel was produced from the three different seed oils at varying temperatures of 65oC, 55oC, and 45oC and also at the varied time of 60mins, 50mins and 40mins. The best percentage yield was obtained at a temperature of 65oC and a period of 60 minutes. At 40 min, the process was not complete. A good number of the transesterification process was completed at 50 mins. Also, at the lower temperature of 45oC, the method was not complete. The maximum % yield of the biodiesel obtained was 90.83% for Glycine max, 78.00% for Arachis hypogea, and 77.58% for Cucumeropsismannii seed oils. Fuel properties such as kinematic viscosity, pour point, carbon residue, cloud point, water content, flash point, cetane index, and sulfated ash were examined on the biodiesel. The flash point, carbon residue, kinematic viscosity, and water content were within the standard specified for petrol diesel. Cloud point and pour points of this product were found to be greater than that of petrol diesel. The cetane index was lower than the standard specified for petrol diesel and the three samples contained no sulfated ash. Therefore, melon (Cucumeropsismannii), groundnut (Arachis hypogea), and soya bean (Glycine max) are good alternatives to biodiesel production.
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