Optimization of biodiesel production from Manilkara zapota (L.) seed oil using Taguchi method. (15th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sathish Kumar, R.; Sureshkumar, K.; Velraj, R.
• Is Part Of: Fuel. Volume 140(2015)
• Page Start: 90
• Page End: 96
• Publication Date: 2015-01-15
• Subjects: Manilkara zapota -- Optimization -- Taguchi method -- Biodiesel -- Transesterification; Fuel -- Periodicals; Coal -- Periodicals; Coal; Fuel; Periodicals; 662.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2014.09.103
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-2361

Abstract

Highlights: Development of a new biodiesel from fruit seeds which is not yet reported in literatures. Optimization of four major influencing parameters of transesterification of the new oil using Taguchi method. Report on production of the new biodiesel with optimized process parameters and its physiochemical properties. Physicochemical properties of the new biodiesel meeting the requirements of EN 14214 standards for biodiesel. A new renewable source of energy for use in unmodified diesel engine applications. Abstract: In this work, the optimization of transesterification process parameters for the production of Manilkara Zapota Methyl Ester (MZME) has been studied. Molar ratio of methanol to oil, time of reaction, temperature of reaction, and concentration of catalyst were the four parameters considered in the study. Taguchi experimental design was used for the optimization of the above mentioned four process parameters of transesterification. The physicochemical properties and fatty acid methyl ester concentrations were experimentally analyzed. The experimental study revealed that 50 °C temperature of reaction, 90 min of time of reaction, 6:1 M ratio of methanol to oil and 1 wt% of concentration of catalyst are the optimal process parameters. Also the study revealed that out of the four parameters considered, methanol to oil molar ratio is most effective in controlling the optimal biodiesel production. The optimal conditions yielded 94.83% of biodiesel. The biodiesel MZME produced with the optimized process parameters meets the global standards for biodiesel EN 14214 and hence could be considered as a suitable substitute for fossil diesel in unmodified diesel engine applications.