Optimization of process variables for biodiesel production by transesterification of flaxseed oil and produced biodiesel characterizations

• Published in: Renewable energy 2019-08, Vol.139, p.1272-1280
• Main Authors: Ahmad, Tanweer, Danish, Mohammed, Kale, Pradeep, Geremew, Belete, Adeloju, Samuel B., Nizami, Maniruddin, Ayoub, Muhammad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biodiesel; Face-centered central composite design; Flaxseed oil; Response surface methodology; Transesterification
• ISSN: 0960-1481; 1879-0682
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.03.036

Optimization of the operating factors to achieve the maximum yield of biodiesel through transesterification reaction was performed by using face-centered central composite design (FCCD) approach of response surface methodology. A total of 29 independent batch experiments were considered in this model to carefully observe the effect of operating factors, such as the volume ratio of methanol/oil, catalyst (KOH) weight percent, reaction temperature, and reaction time. The FCCD model predicted that a maximum yield of 99.5% biodiesel would be achieved from flaxseed oil at a reaction temperature of 59 °C, 0.51% catalyst, the reaction time of 33 min, and a molar ratio of methanol to flaxseed oil of 5.9:1. Experimental verification of the predicted yield under the optimum conditions gave a maximum yield of 98 ± 2%, which is in very good agreement with the predicted value of the model. The physicochemical properties of the flaxseed oil-derived biodiesel were compared with those of standard biodiesel to identify and verify the quality of the produced biodiesel. All observed physicochemical parameters of the flaxseed oil-derived biodiesel were closely in agreement with those of standard biodiesel. Thus, demonstrating that the production of high-quality biodiesel from flaxseed oil is a viable option. [Display omitted] •Potassium hydroxide was used as catalyst for the transesterification of flax seed oil.•Optimization of the biodiesel production from flax seed oil was conducted.•The optimized conditions for biodiesel production was methanol/oil molar ratio (5.9:1), catalyst weight (0.51%), temperature (59 °C), reaction time (33 min).•At optimized conditions the yield was experimentally found to be 98.6%.•The produced flax seed biodiesel was closely in agreement with those of standard biodiesel specification.