Context:

Corozo (Bactris guineensis) is an exotic fruit from the Colombian Caribbean. It is used locally in the food industry. Corozo has high oleaginous content (39, 43 % ± 0, 49) and it could be an option for the oil industry in Colombia. This study shows the use of Corozo oil as an alternative for biodiesel production using ultrasound with a direct probe as the agitation mechanism.

Method:

The experiments were carried out under different values to alcohol: oil molar ratio, catalyst concentration, ultrasound intensity, and reaction time. For this purpose, a central compound design was used as the response variable "reaction yield" was used to set the best conditions in biodiesel production.

Results:

A maximum reaction yield (81, 05 %) was obtained using alcohol: oil molar ratio of 6:1; catalyst concentration of 0,70%; the amplitude of the ultrasound probe of 20% and the reaction time of 15 minutes.

Conclusions:

It was found biodiesel fulfills most of the properties set by the Colombian technical standard (NTC 5444). Direct probe ultrasound shows high yields with times lower than those reported with conventional methods which represent an opportunity to reduce the energy cost associated with biofuel production. Additionally, the variation of raw materials for the manufacturing of biodiesel through the use of oils from the residual biomass of B. guineensis represents an opportunity to boost the regional economy.