Optimization and modeling of process variables of biodiesel production from Marula oil using response surface methodology

This paper presents an optimization study in the production of biodiesel production from marula oil. the study was carried out using a central composite design of experiments under response surface methodology. a mathematical model was developed to correlate the transesterification process variables to biodiesel yield. the transesterification reaction variables were methanol to oil ratio,x1 (10-50 wt %),reaction time,x2 (30-90 min),reaction temperature,x3 (30-90 °c) stirring speed,x4 (100-400 rpm) and amount of catalyst,x5 (0.5-1.5 g). the optimum conditions for the production of the biodiesel were found to be: methanol to oil ratio (29.43 wt %),reaction time (59.17 minutes),reaction temperature (58.80°c),stirring speed (325 rpm) and amount of catalyst (1.02 g). the optimum yield of biodiesel that can be produced was 95%. the results revealed that the crucial fuel properties of the biodiesel produced at the optimum conditions met the astm biodiesel specifications. © 2015,chemical society of pakistan. all rights reserved.