Process Parameter Optimisation for Transesterification of Canola Oil using Continuous Reactor with Homogeneous Base Catalyst
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##article.abstract##
Transesterification of canola oil can produce biodiesel as alternative diesel fuel. Catalyst concentration, the molar ratio of methanol to oil, reaction time, mixing intensity, and reaction temperature plays a significant role in optimising transesterification reaction. Canola oil was trans esterified using a continuous stirred reactor (bench-scale) with a homogeneous catalyst (KOH) and methanol as a reactant. Trials were carried out with constant variables: 300 rpm agitation rate, atmospheric pressure (1 atm), and temperature 60°C (below methanol boiling point). The effect of methanol to oil molar ratio (3:1, 6:1, 9:1 and 20:1), the concentration of catalyst (0.5 – 1.5 wt-%), and reaction time (30, 60, and 120 minutes) on the percentage yield was evaluated, and two conditions exhibited maximum methyl ester yield were analysed for their characteristics. Statistical analysis showed that methyl ester yield increased with increasing molar ratio and decreasing catalyst concentration for 60 minutes reaction time. Optimisation of experimental setup condition was conducted using a condensation system to confirm optimum operating condition from previous trials to evaluate methanol's effect under reflux to the methyl ester yield. The maximum yield (95.13%) was identified under the condition: 9:1 molar ratio (methanol to oil), 0.5 % of catalyst concentration, 300 rpm stirring speed, at 60 °C for 60 minutes under reflux of methanol. The biodiesel/canola oil methyl ester properties were produced under optimum conditions, including density, kinematic viscosity, acid value, were also measured according to EN 14214 and ASTM D6751 biodiesel standards and found to be within those specifications. Consequently, biodiesel can be considered a potential substitute for petroleum diesel associated with its Physico-chemical properties.
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