Transesterification Studies on Non-Edible and Edible Oil for the Production of Methyl Ester (Biodiesel) – Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

Present work reports an optimized protocol for the production of biodiesel through alkaline catalyzed transesterification of edible and non edible oils, three principal variables, molar ratio of methanol to oil (6:1, 12:1), catalyst weight % (0.5%-2%), reaction temperature (40°C-65°C) and reaction time (30min-120 min) effecting the yield of alkaline catalyzed production of methyl ester (biodiesel) from neem oil and palm oil were investigated. The rate of transesterification in a batch reactor increased with temperature up to 60°C. The biodiesel with the best yield and quality was produced in case of neem oil methyl ester (NOME), at 9:1 mole ratio and 1wt% of catalyst (KOH) the yield was 92%. For palm oil methyl ester (POME), the best yield was produced in the mole ratio of 10:1, 1.25 wt% of catalyst and the yield was 90%. From the cost estimation it was concluded that the POME was costlier than NOME. Design Expert 12 Software Package used for Optimization of NOME by the Response Surface Methodology.