Optimisation of integrated biodiesel production. Part I. A study of the biodiesel purity and yield.
This study consists of the development and optimisation of the potassium hydroxide-catalysed synthesis of fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel) from sunflower oil. A factorial design of experiments and a central composite design have been used. The variables chosen were temperature, initial catalyst concentration by weight of sunflower oil and the methanol:vegetable oil molar ratio, while the responses were biodiesel purity and yield. The initial catalyst concentration is the most important factor, having a positive influence on biodiesel purity, but a negative one on biodiesel yield. Temperature has a significant positive effect on biodiesel purity and a significant negative influence on biodiesel yield. The methanol:vegetable oil molar ratio is only significant for the biodiesel purity, having a positive influence. Second-order models were obtained to predict biodiesel purity and yield as a function of these variables. The best conditions are 25 degrees C, a 1.3%wt for the catalyst concentration and a 6:1 methanol:sunflower oil molar ratio.
Vicente
Gemma
G
Departament of Chemical and Environmental Technology, Escuela Superior de Ciencias Experimentales y Tecnología (ESCET), Rey Juan Carlos University, 28933 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain. gemma.vicente@urjc.es
Martínez
Mercedes
M
Aracil
José
J
D019149:Bioreactors; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D002384:Catalysis; D004736:Energy-Generating Resources; D004951:Esterification; D004952:Esters / Q000737:chemistry; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D005742:Gasoline; D006878:Hydroxides / Q000737:chemistry; D007700:Kinetics; D000432:Methanol / Q000737:chemistry; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000737:chemistry*; D017680:Potassium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D000074242:Sunflower Oil; D013696:Temperature
D004952:Esters; D005227:Fatty Acids; D005742:Gasoline; D006878:Hydroxides; D010938:Plant Oils; D017680:Potassium Compounds; D000074242:Sunflower Oil; C029943:potassium hydroxide; D000432:Methanol