OPTIMIZED PARAMETERS FOR PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL FROM FRIED OIL

Abstract: Optimization of transesterification process variables affecting biodiesel production is worthy of continued study because renewable energy sources are the one which uses as alternative resources for the problems arising from the scarcity of conventional energy sources. These alternative sources are majorly used in transportation which is a major aspect in nowadays. A liquid or gaseous fuels for the transport sector that are mostly produced from biomass is called biofuels. They include energy security reasons, environmental concerns, social and an economic issue related to the rural sector.Biodiesel is one of the biofuel which is a renewable replacement to petroleum based diesel. Several processes for biodiesel fuel production have been developed, among which transesterification using alkali-catalysis gives high levels of conversion of triglycerides to their corresponding methyl esters in short reaction times. It is prepared from waste vegetable oils and animal fats by transesterification process. It is alkali catalyzed reaction which involves waste cooking oil, methanol, and Potassium hydroxide. The study focuses on the Yield of biodiesel is affected by ratio of methanol and waste cooking oil, KOH concentration and operating parameters.

Keywords: Renewable energy, biofuel, transesterification, Vegetable oil.