PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL FROM SAND BOX TREE (HURA CREPITANS)SEED OIL

This study is centered on the production of biodiesel from sand box tree (Hura crepitans)with the use of solvent extraction (Soxhlet extractor) and determination of physiochemical properties of the biodiesel produced. The Seed (Hura Crepiatan) was cleaned,dried and grounded to powder form. The extraction of the oil was done using soxhlet extractor with the use of n-hexane as the solvent and then distilled to separate oil from solvent using distillation apparatus. Then transesterification method was used for the production of biodiesel. The oil yield from sand box tree (Hura crepitans) seeds was found to be 35.6%(w/w), which is comparable to other oil-bearing seeds such as Jatropha curcas and Pongamia pinnata The fatty acid composition of the oil showed a high percentage of oleic acid (43.2%), which is desirable for biodiesel production due to its high stability and low viscosity. The biodiesel yield from the oil was found to be 82.5%(w/w), which is higher than the yields reported for other oil-bearing seeds. The properties of the biodiesel produced from Hura crepitans oil were found to be within the acceptable limits for biodiesel. The density and viscosity of the biodiesel were found to be 0.88g/cm' and 4.2 mm/s, respectively, which are comparable to those of fossil diesel The flash point and cold filter plugging point of the biodiesel were found to be 160°C and-5℃,respectively, which indicate that the biodiesel is stable and can be used in cold climates. Overall, the results of this study indicate that Hura crepitans oil is a promising feedstock for biodiesel production, and the biodiesel produced from this oil meets the acceptable standards for biodiesel.