Optimization of Biodiesel Production from Castor Oil Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

The short supply of edible vegetable oils is the limiting factor in the progression of biodiesel technology; thus, in this study, we applied response surface methodology in order to optimize the reaction factors for biodiesel synthesis from inedible castor oil. Specifically, we evaluated the effects of multiple parameters and their reciprocal interactions using a five-level three-factor design. In a total of 20 individual experiments, we optimized the reaction temperature, oil-to-methanol molar ratio, and quantity of catalyst. Our model equation predicted that the following conditions would generate the maximum quantity of castor biodiesel (92 wt.%): a 40-min reaction at 35.5 degrees C, with an oil-to-methanol molar ratio of 1:8.24, and a catalyst concentration of 1.45% of KOH by weight of castor oil. Subsequent empirical analyses of the biodiesel generated under the predicted conditions showed that the model equation accurately predicted castor biodiesel yields within the tested ranges. The biodiesel produced from castor oil satisfied the relevant quality standards without regard to viscosity and cold filter plugging point.

Biodiesel production from castor oil: ANN modeling and kinetic parameter estimation

“…2k ? n, where 'k' is the number of independent variables and 'n' is the number of repetitions of experiments at the central axis point to reduce the pure error [16,33]. Totally, 20 experiments were required for this work.…”

“…Reduction in viscosity of castor methyl and ethyl ester blends have been studied [12]. Kinetics of this process has been investigated [13][14][15][16][17] by varying the alcohol to oil molar ratio as well as the temperature. In one such process [18], methanol to oil ratio was varied from 50:1 to 250:1 and temperature from 35 to 65°C.…”

Assessment of Rapd Polymorphism in Ricin Genotypes

“…Castor oil is the only vegetable oil soluble in alcohol, presenting high viscosity, and requiring less heating than others oils during the production of biodiesel (Jeong and Park, 2009). Due to its unique chemical and physical properties, the oil from castor seed is used as raw material for numerous and varied industrial applications, such as: manufacture of polymers, coatings, lubricants for aircrafts, cosmetics, etc, and for the production of biodiesel (Jeong and Park, 2009) with more than 95% of the world's castor production concentrated in limited parts of India, China, and Brazil (Sailaja et al, 2008). Because of the ever increasing world-wide demand of castor for industrial use, there is a pressing need to increase the hectarage and productivity of castor (Gajeraa et al, 2010).…”

Agro-morphological and molecular diversity in castor (Ricinus communis L.) germplasm collected from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

“…Castor seed contains more than 45% oil, which is rich (80-90%) in an unusual hydroxyl fatty acid, ricinoleic acid (Jeong & Park 2009). A high viscosity of castor oil is the main reason which restricts the use of pure castor bean diesel in the engines (Pinzi et al 2009).…”

“…It has many advantages associated like low freezing point and lubricant power, which makes it perfect for utilization for renewable energy resources (Ogunniyi 2006;Demirbas 2007;Pinzi et al 2009;Berman et al 2011;Singh 2011). Unique chemical and physical properties of the oil make it a raw material for numerous and varied industrial applications, such as manufacture of polymers, coatings, lubricants for aircrafts, cosmetics, hydraulic fluids, plastics, artificial leather, manufacture of fibre optics, bulletproof glass and bone prostheses and as antifreeze doi: 10.17221/205/2014-CJGPB for fuels and lubricants utilized in aircraft and space rockets and for the production of biodiesel farming (Ogunniyi 2006;Jeong & Park 2009), and medicines (Allan et al 2008).…”