Influence of production variables for biodiesel synthesis on yields and fuel properties, and optimization of production conditions

Abuhabaya, Abdullah, Fieldhouse, John D. and Brown, D.R. (2013) Influence of production variables for biodiesel synthesis on yields and fuel properties, and optimization of production conditions. Fuel, 103. pp. 963-969. ISSN 0016-2361

Abstract

This study presents an experimental investigation into the effects of using bio-diesel on diesel engine performance and its emissions. The bio-diesel fuels were produced from vegetable oils using the transesterification process with low molecular weight alcohols and sodium hydroxide then tested on a steady state engine test rig using a Euro 4 four cylinder Compression Ignition (CI) engine. Production optimization was achieved by changing the variables which included methanol/oil molar ratio, NaOH catalyst concentration, reaction time, reaction temperature, and rate of mixing to maximize bio-diesel yield. The technique used was the response surface methodology. In addition, a second-order model was developed to predict the bio-diesel yield if the production criteria is known. The model was validated using additional experimental testing.

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