A Study on the Optimization of Algal Biodiesel Reaction Parameters Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

Abstract-The present work deals with the production of biodiesel from the macroalgae Caulerpa peltata and the optimization of the parameters that influence the transesterificationof algal oil into biodiesel using Response Surface Methodology. Algal oil that was obtained from Caulerpa peltata by chloroform and methanol solvent extraction was used for biodiesel production using methanol and sodium hydroxide. The optimization of parameters like oil: alcohol ratio, catalyst amount, time and temperature were done using Design Expert 8.0 Software. It was found that the maximum yield of biodiesel was obtained at 60° C for 1:5, oil: alcohol ratio, 0.3 wt % catalysts in 90 minutes. A total of 30 experiments using Central Composite Design were carried out. The R 2 , adjusted R 2 and Predicted R 2 values were 0.9992, 0.9984 and 0.9966 respectively which shows that the experimental values are in good agreement with predicted values.

Application of Microalgae Biomass for Biodiesel Fuel Production

“…A high yield of 98.78% Chlorella protothecoides methyl esters was obtained during alkaline transesterification at 65 • C [60]. A similar yield of 95% esters was obtained by Renita et al at a process temperature of 60 • C [58]. The two-stage process and the same temperature gave a maximum yield of 100% methyl esters produced from the high acidity Scenedesmus sp.…”

“…For the transesterification of algal oil, as with other oils, NaOH is the most commonly used catalyst. Renita et al obtained a 95% yield of Caulerpa peltata algal oil methyl ester using 0.3% NaOH [58]. Using a higher amount, 0.8% NaOH, the yield of Chlorella protothecoides oil methyl esters was 98.76% [60].…”

“…Renita et al reported a 90% yield of Caulerpa peltata algal oil methyl esters obtained in 90 min [58]. Because the ethanolysis process is slower, freshwater algae oil triglycerides were transesterified with ethanol in 360 min [62].…”

Optimization Study of Biomass Hydrogenation to Ethylene Glycol Using Response Surface Methodology

“…Since response surface methodology (RSM), specifically central composite design (CCD) has been widely used in biohydrogen [28] and biodiesel [29][30][31][32][33] production process optimization, it should therefore be used in this work to determine the effects of process parameters (binary catalyst ratio, temperature, pressure and tungstic acid to EFB ratio) of biomass hydrogenation to EG yield and eventually optimize EG yield.…”