Process Optimization Study of Alternative Fuel Production From Linseed Oil

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the selection of optimum parameters for transesterification of linseed oil biodiesel production in the presence of calcium oxide (CaO) obtained from the waste eggshells. The waste chicken eggshells were calcined at 900°C for 4 hours and it was characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The transesterification process was conducted according to L9 orthogonal array with selected input control parameters such as methanol to oil molar ratio, reaction temperature, and catalyst loading. The output parameters were biodiesel yield and viscosity. The multi-objective, decision-making technique called Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was used to identify the optimum transesterification process parameters to obtain maximum biodiesel yield with minimal viscosity. The optimized values for transesterification process parameters were depicted as methanol to oil ratio of 6:1, reaction temperature of 65°C, and catalyst loading of 5% w/w.