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Transesterification of Palm Oil to Biodiesel and Optimization of Production Conditions I.e. Methanol, Sodium Hydroxide and Temperature

Shaila Siddiqua
Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh

Abdullah Al Mamun
Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh

Sheikh Md. Enayetul Babar
Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Biodiesel is an alkyl ester of long-chain fatty acids and considered as an alternative to lower the appalling consequence of fuel on the environment. It is produced by transesterification of a fat or oil with short-chain primary alcohol like methanol and alkali like sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Palm oil (Elaeis guineensis) was used as source to produce biodiesel and Box Behnken experimental design was applied to see the effect of various process parameters, i.e. methanol quantity, alkali concentration and temperature for the optimization of calorific value of biodiesel. Response surface plots and contour plot were created in order to perceive the optimum condition. Though, all three variables significantly affected the calorific value of the palm biodiesel, but it was found that methanol was more effective variable than alkali concentration and temperature. It was observed that 12.5 ml methanol/50 ml oil and 0.4 gm NaOH/50 ml oil and 55°C temperature were optimum conditions, where the calorific value of palm biodiesel is 9297.206 kcal/kg.

Keywords: Biodiesel, Palm Oil, Transesterification, Calorific Value, Optimization

Location: Khulna, Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Comparative study

Commodity: Bio-diesel, Palm Oil

Objectives:

To optimize the values of pre-eminent element (methanol and sodium hydroxide concentration and temperature) of the biodiesel production process.

Methodology:

Materials: The research work was carried out with palm oil collected from local market (Khulna, Bangladesh). Methanol and sodium hydroxide used in the transesterification reaction were supplied by Merck, Germany. Method of Biodiesel: Production In a transesterification reaction, three moles of methanol react with one mole of triglyceride. The reaction is slowed by mass transfer limitations since at the start of the reaction the methanol is only slightly soluble in the oil and later on, the glycerin is not soluble in the methyl esters. Since the catalyst tends to concentrate in the glycerin, it can become unavailable for the reaction without agitation. The procedure of making biodiesel follows several steps. Separation: Once the reaction was completed, two major products exist- biodiesel and glycerin. The glycerin which was much denser than the biodiesel, separated by gravity separation and the biodiesel was ready for further processing. The glycerin separation steps were usually accomplished by gravity settling or with a centrifuge. Reaction: The alcohol catalyst mix was then poured into a conical flask and the oil was added. The palm oil was heated at 45°C temperature before mixing with alcohol catalyst mixture. After adding oil the system keeps airtight to prevent the loss of alcohol. The reaction mix was kept just below the boiling point of the alcohol to speed up the reaction and the reaction took place. The reaction was held under a constant temperature around 50-60°C on the water heater. Reaction time varies from 1 to 8 hours. Alcohol Removal: Remaining methanol (3% to 6%) in the biodiesel was removed by vaporization since methanol has a propensity to work as a co-solvent for soap present in the biodiesel. Methyl Ester Wash: After the methanol had been removed, the biodiesel needs to be washed to remove residual free glycerin, methanol, soaps and catalyst.

Source of Information: Journal of Energy and Natural Resources, 2015; 4(3): 45-51; ISSN: 2330-7366 (Print); ISSN: 2330-7404 (Online)

Article Link (Online Journal): doi: 10.11648/j.jenr.20150403.12

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

In this experiment, response surface methodology was used, and a quadratic polynomial equation was obtained for each value by multiple regression analysis. Total 15 combinations of methanol, NaOH and temperature were employed to develop Box-Behnken experimental design. Qualities of resulted products were evaluated in terms of calorific value. It was found that 12.5 ml methanol/50 ml oil and 0.4gmNaOH/50 ml oil and 55°C temperature were optimum conditions, where the calorific value of palm biodiesel is maximum 9297.206 kcal/kg. The optimum condition will be used to investigate the effect of methanol, alkali concentration and temperature on reaction time and on other fuel properties of biodiesel.

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