Process optimization and simulation of biodiesel synthesis from waste cooking oil through supercritical transesterification reaction without catalyst

Abstract

This study reports optimization and simulation of biodiesel synthesis from waste cooking oil through supercritical transesterification reaction without the use of any catalyst. Although the catalyst enhances the reaction rate but due to the presence of water contents in waste cooking oil, the use of catalyst could cause a negative impact on the biodiesel yield. The transesterification reaction without catalyst also offers the advantage of the reduction of pretreatment cost. This study comprises of two steps; first step involves the development and validation of process simulation scheme. The second step involves the optimization using Response Surface Methodology. Face-centered central composite design of experiments is used for experimental matrix development and subsequent statistical analysis of the results. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is employed for optimization purpose. In addition, a sensitivity study of the process parameters including pressure, temperature, and molar ration of oil-to-methanol was conducted. The statistical analysis reveals that temperature is the most influential process parameter as compared to pressure and oil-to-methanol molar ratio. The optimization study results in the maximum biodiesel yield (94.16%) at an optimum temperature of 274.8°C, 7.02 bar pressure, and an oil-to-methanol molar ratio of 12.43.

Cryogenic Process Optimization for Natural Gas Purification: Predictive Modeling of Methane–CO2 Solid–Vapor Phase Equilibrium Using Response Surface Methodology

“…RSM can generate precise models with fewer experimental data . It can play a crucial role in cryogenic separation, especially in cases where obtaining comprehensive experimental data is often challenging …”

“… 26 It can play a crucial role in cryogenic separation, especially in cases where obtaining comprehensive experimental data is often challenging. 27 . The efficiency of the RSM in model development, requiring fewer experiments, addresses the challenges posed by resource-intensive and technically demanding cryogenic experiments.…”

Magnesium Oxide (MgO) as a Sustainable Catalyst for Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil: A Comparative Study with KOH

“…The use of MgO catalysts in biodiesel synthesis offers several benefits, including the reduction of pretreatment costs and the elimination of the negative dependence on water content of biodiesel yield [8]. Additionally, MgO catalysts have been found to exhibit excellent performance in terms of conversion efficiency and yield which some studies bring up to 92.63% [9]. The use of MgO catalysts also allows for the reusability of the catalyst, further enhancing its cost-effectiveness and sustainability [10].…”

Frictional performance of chemically modified cottonseed-based fossil-free biolubricant oil in a sliding tribopair

“…The synthesis of waste cooking oil without a catalyst was studied with a maximum yield of 94.16% at 7.02 bar pressure and 274.8 °C reaction temperature. Temperature was found to be the most critical factor for supercritical transesterification (Ahmed et al, 2023). Viscosity modifiers synthesized from cotton were used as an additive in polyalphaolefin base oil.…”