Optimization of Biodiesel Production: Transesterification of Edible and Non-Edible Vegetable Oils

Transesterification of Edible and Non-Edible Vegetable Oils

Abstract

In this study, both edible (palm oil) and non-edible oils (Jathropha and Neem oil) were used to optimize the biodiesel production process variables like catalyst concentration, amount of alcohol required for reaction, reaction time and reaction temperature. Biodiesel production from different edible and non-edible vegetable oils was compared in order to optimize the biodiesel production process. A two-step and single-step transesteri?cation process was used to produce biodiesel from high free fatty acid (FFA) non-edible oils and edible vegetable oils, respectively. This process gives yields of about 90–92% for J. curcas, 82–84% for neem, and 90–95% for palm oil using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a catalyst.