Optimization of Biodiesel (Rubber Seed Oil) Process Parameters using Taguchi Method Based on Experimental Procedure in A Batch Stirred Tank Reactor

Abstract

Due to the increase in the demand for an alternate fuel the research studies towards searching for a low cost source and optimum conditions with new reactors were gaining momentum. Hence the present investigation is focused on the design of a batch stirred tank reactor with two different impellers to produce biodiesel with the use of rubber seed oil. Further an experiment was conducted in optimizing the process parameters using Taguchi methodology. The Taguchi methodology is mainly focused on the enhancement of the product produced and this is the most precise method used. The best combinations were obtained through the L9 orthogonal array. The reactor specifications were fixed to be 7.5cm. height, 7.5cm diameter, 2.5 cm agitator diameter, 0.625cm baffle thickness with 2.5cm as distance between bottom of the tank and impeller. Two impellers with 0.5cm. Width, 0.625cm length and others with 1.1cm length were used to test the individual performance towards yield. The optimum conditions obtained were found to be Impeller type-Straight blade impeller, Temperature- 65ºC, Time - 45min, Reactant ratio - 1:6, Catalyst amount- 22.46% (mol% of Oil), and Impeller Speed- 500rpm with the yield of 88 % . Hence BSTR reactors could be scaled up for translational research studies too.