Synthesis of Pour Point Depressant from Black Soldier Fly Maggot Oil

This Final Project research focuses on the synthesis of pour point depressant (PPD) from Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Maggot Oil to reduce the pour point of crude oil samples. Crude oil itself is a non-renewable energy source that is still in high demand in Indonesia, especially as a vehicle fuel. Crude oil contains paraffin wax, which can crystallize and hinder the transportation and production processes of crude oil. Therefore, this study aims to produce PPD from BSF maggots as an additive for crude oil to ensure its smooth flow. Maggots were chosen due to their high fatty acid content, ranging from 29% to 32%, making them a potential source for PPD. The method used for PPD synthesis involves esterification using a reflux process. Pour point testing will be conducted using the ASTM D-5853 method. The synthesized PPD could lower the pour point of crude oil by up to 24°C from the original 39°C. Characterization using FTIR testing successfully revealed C-O vibrations (ester groups) at the wave number range of 1158 – 1155 cm -1 while eliminating O-H vibrations (carboxylic acid groups). GC-MS characterization was also conducted to identify the formed ester compounds. The GC-MS results showed that PPD 1 had the highest ester content at 87.71%. Keywords: Crude Oil, Esterification, Pour Point Depressant, Maggot, Paraffin, Pour Point.