Process Optimization For Esterification From Non-Edible Rubber Seed

Loh, Hao Zhe (2015) Process Optimization For Esterification From Non-Edible Rubber Seed. Project Report. UTeM, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

Biodiesel as a renewable energy source is an attractive alternative fuel which are low emissions, biodegradable, nontoxic, and also better lubricant compare to fossil fuel. Biodiesel is safer to handle and store due to its high flash point. High free fatty acid content in rubber seed oil would causes saponification. Thus, the study is conducted with the aim of optimize the esterification parameters by using design of experiment with rubber seed oil as feedstock oil. A 5-level-3-factor central-composite design coupled with response surface methodology is used to study the effect of factors on the reduction of percentage of free fatty acid content and optimizing the reaction conditions. The factors chosen for studied are molar ratio of methanol to oil, catalyst concentration, and reaction time. A full quadratic model was used for the prediction of percentage of free fatty acid content. The coefficient of determination of the model was 91.70% which indicates the acceptable accuracy of the model. The optimum parameters obtained are molar ratio of methanol to oil of 16.7, 3.3 wt% of concentrated sulphuric acid as the catalyst, and reaction time of 50.82 minutes. The optimum response of percentage of free fatty acid content was 0.667% using these optimum parameters. The transesterification process was conducted and a yield of 88.06% is obtained using the lowest free acid content pretreated rubber seed oil. The acid value and flash point of biodiesel produced met the specifications of ASTM biodiesel standards, only the kinematic viscosity slightly exceeds the upper limit of the requirement.

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