Abstract

GUERRERO-PENA, Armando et al. Optimization of the biodiesel synthesis using crude African Palm oil (Elaeis guineensis Jacq). Agrociencia [online]. 2013, vol.47, n.7, pp.649-659. ISSN 2521-9766.

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a crop used to produce oil and has generated interest to obtain alternative fuels to oil. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal conditions for the methanolysis reaction of crude palm oil (ACP), to synthesize biodiesel in laboratory conditions. A central composite rotatable design and response surface methodology were used to evaluate the efficiency of the process. The variables studied were methanol concentration (between 40 and 100 % p/p), catalyst concentration (2-4 % w/w), reaction time (4060 min) and reaction temperature (50-66 °C). Methanol and catalyst concentrations and reaction time showed a significant effect. The optimal conditions for the synthesis of palm biodiesel were: methanol concentration 55 % (w/w) catalyst 2 % (w/w), reaction time 135 min and 54 °C as reaction temperature. With these conditions the yield was 80.65 % of biodiesel with ACP, in laboratory, with low energy consumption and short reaction time, which would reduce production and operating costs.

Keywords : alkaline catalysis; Elaeis guineensis Jacq; methanolysis; process optimization; response surface.

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