Journal of Chemical Engineering & Process Technology
Open Access

Abstract

Optimization of Biodiesel Production from Sunflower Oil Using Response Surface Methodology

Mojtaba Mansourpoor and Dr. Ahmad Shariati

Biodiesel produced by transesterification of triglycerides with alcohol, is the newest form of energy that has attracted the attention of many researchers due to various advantages associated with its usages. Response surface methodology, based on a five level, three variables central composite design is used to analyze the interaction effect of the transesterification reaction variables such as temperature, catalyst concentration and molar ratio of methanol to oil on biodiesel yield. The linear terms of temperature and catalyst concentration followed by the linear term of oil to methanol ratio, the quadratic terms of catalyst concentration and oil to methanol ratio and the interaction between temperature and catalyst concentration and also the interaction between temperature and molar ratio of methanol to oil had significant effects on the biodiesel production (p<0.05). Maximum yield for the production of methyl esters from sunflower oil was predicted to be 98.181% under the condition of temperature of 48°C, the molar ratio of methanol to oil of 6.825:1, catalyst concentration of 0.679 wt%, stirring speed of 290 rpm and a reaction time of 2h.