Optimization of biodiesel production

1. OPTIMIZATION OF BIODIESEL PRODUCTION
FROM SUNFLOWER OIL USING RESPONSE
SURFACE METHODOLOGY
REPÚBLICA BOLIVARIANA DE VENEZUELA
MINISTERIO DEL PODER POPULAR PARA LA
EDUCACIÓN SUPERIOR
INSTITUTO UNIVERSITARIO POLITÉCNICO
SANTIAGO MARIÑO
EXTENSIÓN: COL - SEDE: CIUDAD OJEDA
Robert Azar

2. Biodiesel is a type of fuel prepared by changing
vegetable oil, animal fat, special types of algae
and possibly even sewage. It is considered a type
of renewable energy, since it all comes from living
plants and animals. It can be used to power an
engine, usually for vehicles, including airplanes. It
replaces diesel that comes from petroleum, a type
of fossil fuel.
This is much cleaner and has less pollution than diesel fuel made from fossil fuels.
It also acts as a solvent (like soap). In fact, it cleans the engine so much that it
might pull out old dirt in the engine and clog up the filters. After the filters are
replaced then it is fine.

3. Materials
Sunflower oil was purchased from local shop. Methanol with a purity of 99.5% and Potassium Hydroxide
(KOH) were purchased from Merck Company.
Equipments
Device that used in this work include reactor,
EUROSTAR power control-visc P7 overhead
stirrer. The reactor employed was a LR 2000P
modularly expandable laboratory reactor. The IKA
laboratory reactor was double-walled jacketed 2
liter vessels available made of stainless steel,
with bottom discharge valve. A mixer with 8 to 290
rpm model EUROSTAR Power control-Visc P7
Overhead stirrer for mixing the medium of
reaction was used. Temperature inside the
reactor was controlled by a hot water bath. Next
Figure shows the LR 2000 P reactor.

4. Objective of this investigation
Evaluate the effects of the reaction parameters of
temperature, catalyst concentration and molar
ratio of methanol to oil on the biodiesel yield and
to optimize the reaction conditions using RSM
Experiments and Methods
1.- The transesterification
reactions are performed in
various conditions to
determine the optimum
conditions of
transesterification. Two liter
of sunflower oil
poured in the reactor and
allowed to equilibrate to
the temperature of reaction
at 290 rpm.
2.- Variable quantities
of catalyst were
dissolved in various
amount of methanol as
described in each test.
3.- The potassium
methoxide was added
to the reactant and
was maintained for 2
hours for completion of
the reaction.
4.- Separation of two phases which
is performed by gravity requires at
least 4 hours. Glycerol and biodiesel
have a deep red and bright yellow
color.

5. Physical Properties
Heating value of biodiesel
was 39.58 MJ/Kg which is
less than that of petro-
diesel but only 9 percent.

6. Results
• Experimental yields were analyzed to get a regression model.
• The biodiesel production has a negative quadratic behavior by temperature, molar ratio of
alcohol to oil and concentration of catalyst.
• It was predicted that the optimum reaction condition within the experimental range would be the
molar ratio of 6.825:1 and temperature of 48°C and concentration of KOH equal to 0.679wt%.

7. Compatibility
Biodiesel is a liquid fuel that shares many
characteristics with traditional diesel.
Producers can pump, store and transport
biodiesel using equipment already in place.
Biodiesel mixes well with petro-diesel, allowing
fuel distributors to sell blends ranging from 5 to
100 percent biodiesel for use in diesel
vehicles. Although biodiesel causes
deterioration in hoses made of natural rubber,
most vehicle manufacturers have switched to
alternative hose materials compatible with
biodiesel; in most other respects, biodiesel
works well in existing diesel engines.