Abstract
In recent years, the beauty leaf plant (Calophyllum Inophyllum) is being considered as a potential 2nd generation biodiesel source due to high seed oil content, high fruit production rate, simple cultivation and ability to grow in a wide range of climate conditions. However, however, due to the high free fatty acid (FFA) content in this oil, the potential of this biodiesel feedstock is still unrealized, and little research has been undertaken on it. In this study, transesterification of beauty leaf oil to produce biodiesel has been investigated. A two-step biodiesel conversion method consisting of acid catalysed pre-esterification and alkali catalysed transesterification has been utilized. The three main factors that drive the biodiesel (fatty acid methyl ester (FAME)) conversion from vegetable oil (triglycerides) were studied using response surface methodology (RSM) based on a Box-Behnken experimental design. The factors considered in this study were catalyst concentration, methanol to oil molar ratio and reaction temperature. Linear and full quadratic regression models were developed to predict FFA and FAME concentration and to optimize the reaction conditions. The significance of these factors and their interaction in both stages was determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The reaction conditions for the largest reduction in FFA concentration for acid catalysed pre-esterification was 30:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 10% (w/w) sulfuric acid catalyst loading and 75 °C reaction temperature. In the alkali catalysed transesterification process 7.5:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 1% (w/w) sodium methoxide catalyst loading and 55 °C reaction temperature were found to result in the highest FAME conversion. The good agreement between model outputs and experimental results demonstrated that this methodology may be useful for industrial process optimization for biodiesel production from beauty leaf oil and possibly other industrial processes as well.
Highlights
The current global energy supply is heavily dependent on finite reserves of fossil fuels which represent 88% of total global energy consumption
This study aims to investigate the effect of several reaction parameters on the production of biodiesel from high free fatty acid (FFA) vegetable oil obtained from the beauty leaf seed
The results indicate a significant reduction in FFA content of the beauty leaf oil following acid-catalysed pre-esterification
Summary
The current global energy supply is heavily dependent on finite reserves of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) which represent 88% of total global energy consumption. Combustion of fossil fuels results in greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to anthropogenic climate change Despite global measures such as the Kyoto Protocol and scientific innovation, atmospheric CO2 concentration continues to increase and is exceeding benchmark levels much earlier than had previously been predicted [2]. Over the past few decades, biodiesel produced from oilseed crops and animal fat is receiving much attention as a renewable and sustainable alternative for automobile engine fuels, for petroleum diesel [6]. It is currently produced in commercial quantities from edible oil feedstocks such as soybean, palm, rapeseed and canola oil. Second generation biodiesels produced from non-edible feedstocks have the potential to overcome the disadvantages associated with first generation feedstocks, while addressing many of the climate change and energy availability challenges [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
