Comparison study of biodiesel fuel production from sunflower oil using by ultrasound and heat

In this research, a comparison of biodiesel produced by ultrasound and heat methods was investigated. Methanol was used as the alcohol with molarity 3, 6 and 9 and KOH 0.5, 1 and 1.5 wt.% As a catalyst. In ultrasound technique, five vibrating pulse levels and three time levels were used. The results indicate that biodiesel produced by ultrasound in some properties includes a flash point of about 9% increased and the amount of viscosity, carbon residue and water content in fuel decreased by 27%, 50% and 5%, respectively. The biodiesel cloud point produced by the heat treatment method -2 and ultrasound waves 7 was obtained. It should be noted that the fuel produced in both methods can be used as a standard fuel in the engine. It was also found that ultrasonic waves are more appropriate than heat treatment due to the need for less time and better quality characteristics.