Bio-Diesel Production from Oil of Orange (Citrus Sinensis) Peels as Feedstock

Although, in nigeria orange peels are considered as a waste, this study is intended to convert the waste into wealth by establishing the production of biodiesel with oil obtained from orange peels; using transeterification process. oil from sun-dried/ ground orange peels were extractedusing n-hexane. transesterification process was done at a temperature range of80 - 83 °c with oil to ethanol mole ratio of 1:3 respectively and sodium hydroxide as catalyst. the parameters analyzed included: viscosity, density and the concentrations of k, na, ca, mg and p.the viscosity and density of the biodiesel obtained were 2.1 stand 825 kg/m3 respectively. the mean concentrations of k, na, ca, mg and p in the biodiesel were 4 ppm, 7 ppm, 3 ppm, 3 ppm and 8 ppm respectively. these results are in close agreement with astm standards requirement for biodiesel. the glycerol was recycled trice before it finally lost potent.it is thus apparent that the locally-sourced feedstock (orange peels) would be a good source for the production of biodiesel