Optimization of process parameters for oleic acid esterification using microwave reactor: Catalytic activity, product distribution and reactor energy model

Abstract

Mono alkyl esters of fatty acids also known as biodiesel have several advantages such as low emissions, non-toxic and biodegradable. Experiments were performed for the esterification of oleic acid (OA) using alcohol like methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH) and 2-propanol (2-PrOH) in microwave irradiated reactor. The performance with the use of solid heterogeneous catalyst desilicated Hβ (D-Hβ) had been experimented to maximize the selectivity of esters. Studies on conversion and selectivity for OA esterification with methanol regarding the effect of the experimental conditions such as microwave power, feed composition and catalyst dosing were carried out by response surface methodology using Box-Behnken design approach. At optimum conditions, 91% maximum conversion was achieved for OA esterification with methanol and the extensive product selectivity of methyl oleate (86%-87%). At optimum conditions, esterification of OA with ethanol and propanol were also performed. Detailed kinetic study and energy model was developed using heat of reaction model for the conversion of OA with MeOH.