Optimal Synthesis of Sal (Shorea robusta) Oil Biodiesel Using Recycled Bentonite Nanoclay at High Temperature

Abstract

Fresh and recycled bentonite nanoclay was used as a basic catalyst for the optimal synthesis of sal oil methyl ester biodiesel at high temperature. Bulk and surface properties of fresh and recycled catalyst were determined to check the recyclability. A catalyst concentration dependent lumped-parameter kinetic model was proposed for the transesterification of sal oil, and a simple genetic algorithm was used to determine the rate constants. Proposed rate constants were able to predict the experimental conversion of sal oil accurately under varying catalyst and methanol concentrations. A multiobjective optimization problem involving conflicting objectives (i.e., minimization of transesterification time, and minimization of undesirable intermediates) was formulated and solved using a nondominated sorting genetic algorithm. The temperature trajectory over the entire transesterification period was considered as a decision variable to obtain the fixed conversion of sal oil. A set of nondominated optimal Pareto solutions was obtained for the problem studied. For optimal synthesis, a higher isothermal temperature trajectory (≥503 K) was preferred for a short transesterification time (i.e., ≤35 min), whereas a nonisothermal temperature trajectory with lower reaction temperature (446.7–470.7 K) was required to keep undesirable intermediates at a minimum level (i.e., ≤0.0825 mol L–1) for 96.5% conversion of sal oil.

Liquid Phase Selective Catalytic Oxidation of Oleic Acid to Azelaic Acid Using Air and Transition Metal Acetate Bromide Complex

“…The pre-filtered air was obtained by passing the compressed air through a sterile type 0.2 mm poly tetrafluoro ethylene membrane-based capsule filter (Whatman™ SteriVENT). A high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) autoclave (capacity, 0.5 l; Material of construction, SS-316) with automatic temperature control were used to carry out oxidation at elevated pressure and temperature [29]. As oxidation proceeds, autoclave pressure falls and the pressure in the autoclave was maintained constant by passing air continuously using an auto-controlled solenoid valve.…”

Nonedible oil biodiesels: The cutting‐edge future of renewable energy in India

“…Reaction mass was heated to 200°C at atmospheric pressure. The paper also discussed various feed conditions for SOME production but do not state one single most favorable condition . In another approach to produce SOME, the alkali‐based transesterification was performed using 0.5% ( w /w) KOH as catalyst, 65°C reaction temperature, and 90‐min reaction time with constant stirring at 450 rpm, followed by washing .…”