Optimization of ultrasonic assisted continuous production of biodiesel using response surface methodology

Abstract

This paper evaluates and optimizes the continuous production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil. In this research work, methanol and potassium hydroxide were used as catalyst engaging response surface methodology. For this purpose, the central composite experimental design (CCED), the effects of various factors such as irradiation distance, probe diameter, ultrasonic amplitude, vibration pulse and material flow into the reactor on reaction yield were studied to optimize the process. The results showed that all of the considered parameters affect the reaction efficiency significantly. The optimum combination of the findings include: irradiation distance which was 75 mm, probe diameter of 28 mm, ultrasonic amplitude of 56%, vibration pulse of 62% and flow rate of 50 ml/min that caused the reaction yield of 91.6% and energy consumption of 102.8 W. To verify this optimized combination, three tests were carried out. The results showed an average efficiency of 91.12% and 102.4 W power consumption which is well matched with the model's predictions.

Keywords: Biodiesel production; Continuous transesterification; Optimization; RSM; Ultrasonic parameters.