Studies on Phase Overlapping Analysis of Jatropha Oil Biodiesel Ternary Components at Different Temperatures

In this study, components phase partitioning of jatropha oil biodiesel ternary system is investigated. Modified turbidimetric technique was used to investigate the constituent compositions at nine different temperatures (20 – 60) °C. Analysis of the homogeneous mixture was conducted using gas chromatographic approach. The influence of temperature on the immiscibility region and the separating capacity of the solvent (methanol) was determined from distribution coefficient (K) and solvent selectivity (S) analysis. The results revealed how the individual components of the ternary system distributed in the homogeneous solution at the different temperatures thereby displaying large two-phase envelope. However, high level of immiscibility between the extract and raffinate phases at all investigated temperatures was also observed. The results further revealed overlapping tie lines which was linked to the presence of excess methanol in the feed composition and further emphasized the fact that the tie lines overlap because other components were simultaneously distributed between the extract and raffinate phases. This study provides important property statistics for bio-based biodiesel components separation which are of interest in process design, optimization and simulation.