Optimization of Biodiesel Production From Castor Oil

Abstract

The transesterification of castor oil with ethanol in the presence of sodium ethoxide as catalyst is an exceptional option for the Brazilian biodiesel production, because the castor nut is quite available in the country. Chemically, its oil contains about 90% of ricinoleic acid that gives to the oil some beneficial characteristics such as its alcohol solubility at 30 degrees C. The transesterification variables studied in this work were reaction temperature, catalyst concentration and alcohol oil molar ratio. Through a star configuration experimental design with central points, this study shows that it is possible to achieve the same conversion of esters carrying out the transesterification reaction with a smaller alcohol quantity, and a new methodology was developed to obtain high purity biodiesel.

Optimization of Biodiesel Production from Castor Oil Using Response Surface Methodology

“…In the fatty acids of castor oil, ricinoleic acid and its derivatives evidence indigestibility, high hygroscopicity, high solubility in alcohol, and high viscosity as compared to edible vegetable oils. In addition, its C-12 hydroxyl group imparts several unique chemical and physical properties, including high viscosity [9,11,12]. Its viscosity is more than 100 times that of the no.…”

“…Other edible oils have viscosities ranging from ten to 20 times higher than that of the no. 2 diesel fuel [12]. Owing to its unique structure, ricinoleic acid is currently utilized as a raw material for paints, coatings, inks, lubricants, plastics, cosmetics, and a broad range of other products [10].…”

“…Owing to its unique structure, ricinoleic acid is currently utilized as a raw material for paints, coatings, inks, lubricants, plastics, cosmetics, and a broad range of other products [10]. Many studies have been conducted regarding the production of biodiesel from castor oil [11][12][13][14][15]. Silva et al [12] previously reported that the reaction temperature did not affect the reaction, because the castor oil is soluble in ethanol at room temperature.…”

“…Many studies have been conducted regarding the production of biodiesel from castor oil [11][12][13][14][15]. Silva et al [12] previously reported that the reaction temperature did not affect the reaction, because the castor oil is soluble in ethanol at room temperature. By way of contrast, other studies [3,7,13,16,17] have reported that the reaction temperature exerted a significant influence on the biodiesel synthesis rate when vegetable oils and fats were used as feedstock.…”

“…Response surface methodology (RSM) is a useful statistical technique for the evaluation or optimization of complex processes, as it reduces the number of experiments required to acquire sufficient data for a statistically reasonable result. Other groups have applied RSM in an effort to optimize process factors for biodiesel production, using rapeseed oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, castor oil, and lard [12,17,[19][20][21]. In order to address this issue, we conducted a study to assess the potential of castor oil, an inedible vegetable oil, as a biodiesel feedstock, and we optimized the associated process factors via response surface methodology with a five-level three factor design.…”