Optimization of biodiesel production from waste frying palm oil using definitive screening design

Abstract

Research on alternative fuels is increasing these days due to the fact that these fuels can be afforded without any climate-change aggravation. Biodiesel from different feed stocks has a potential to replace the existing diesel fuel, but the cost involved in the production of biodiesel is more. To mitigate the high production cost, low cost feed stocks of used cooking oils (UCO) can be used. As per the latest statistics approximately 198 MMT/yr of edible oil is used around the world. These UCO are dumped after usage which causes environmental imbalance. In this research an attempt was made to utilize the waste frying palm oil (WFPO) which was available in the college for biodiesel production. To maximize the biodiesel yield latest optimization technique of definitive screening design (DSD) was implemented. It was concluded that maximum yield of 96.23% was achieved at molar ratio of 6:1, reaction temperature of 55⁰C and the catalytic concentration of 1wt%. The fuel samples were tested for different physiochemical properties and fatty acid compositions. It was observed that the properties were within the limits of international standards. Hence, by using the WFPO the overall production cost was reduced and optimization by DSD enhanced the biodiesel yield.

Keywords: Waste fried palm biodiesel, optimization, definitive screening design, fatty acid composition, soap