Optimization and kinetics of ultrasonic assisted biooil extraction from Madhuca indica seeds

The rapid industrialization and increase in the population has led to great energy demand in recent days. Various alternative sources of energy have been explored by researchers. Biodiesel is reported as best alternative renewable bioenergy. In the present work, mahua seed is a non-edible source used for extraction of biooil. The extracted biooil can be utilized for biodiesel production. The main objective was to study the effect of various extraction conditions and kinetics of extraction of biooil from mahua seeds. The suitable solvent ratios for extraction were compared among diethyl ether:ethanol, chloroform:methanol, chloroform:ethanol, iso-propanol:methanol in the proportions 3:1, 2:2 and 1:3 respectively. Experimental runs provided high biooil yield at temperature 50 degrees C and contact time 20 min. The extraction process was observed under the influence of an ultrasonic bath. The maximum blood yield of 82% was obtained under the optimum conditions of temperature 50 degrees C, Contact time 20 min, seed to solvent ratio (diethyl ether:ethanol) 1:10(3:1) under ultrasonication. The properties such as density, viscosity, calorific value, cloud point, flash and fire point of biooil obtained has met the standard values.