Optimization of transesterification process parameters of castor oil ethanolysis using response surface methodology-based genetic algorithm

Abstract

ABSTRACTCastor oil is unusual oil that is predominantly composed of ricinoleic acid. In the present study, castor oil biodiesel was produced from castor oil with bio-alcohol (ethanol) via a transesterification process. Also, this study investigates the influence of transesterification process parameters, i.e., reaction temperature, catalyst (sodium ethoxide) concentration, and ethanol:castor oil molar ratio on the yield of castor oil ethyl ester. The experiments are carried our as per a central composite design. A second-order response surface model was developed to predict the yield of castor oil ethyl ester as a function of transesterification process parameters. The developed models indicated that the predicted values are well in agreement with the experimental results. Finally, optimization of transesterification process parameters was carried out using a response surface methodology-based genetic algorithm. The optimization results indicated a reaction temperature of 41°C, catalyst concentration of 1.25% w/w of oil, and ethanol to oil molar ratio of 18.42 for achieving a higher yield of castor oil ethyl ester of 93.9%.