Production and Optimization of Biodiesel from Jathropha oil using response surface methodology

Abstract

This paper presents an optimization of preparation variable for biodiesel production from locally sourced Jatropha oil. The optimization of alkali-catalyzed transesterification was aimed at converting fatty acid methyl ester (FAME). The optimization variables for the renewable biodiesel preparation were reaction temperature (25-65°C), catalyst concentration (0.5-1.5%) and methanol to oil ratio (4.5-7.5). The data was statistically analyzed using response surface methodology of the Design-Expert software to find the suitable model of percent fatty acid methyl ester purity (% FAME) and yield as a function of the factors. A full quadratic model was recommended by the program with an R2 and adjusted R2 of 51.53 and 81.53%, respectively. The optimum FAME content of 99.28% was obtained at 65°C for temperature, 0.5% for catalyst concentration, 7.5 for methanol-to-oil molar ratio. The conversion is satisfactory for biodiesel requirements.