Predictive analysis of transesterification parameters using Box-Behnken design for biodiesel production

A Box-Behnken experimental design was used to investigate the parameters of the process that need predictive analysis to produce methyl esters of fatty acids biodiesel by transesterification of Waste cooking oil. Worries about using food crops to make fuel are valid; waste cooking oil is utilized as a sustainable feedstock for biodiesel production. A domestic microwave with a peak power capacity of 1250 W and a frequency of 2450 MHz is used for research. A stirring DC motor, a thermometer, and a reaction flask equipped with a condenser are the tools employed in the biodiesel production process. A two-step reaction, which included the acid-catalysed pre-treatment of the esterification with transesterification using potassium hydroxide (KOH) and methanol, was used. The methanol-to-oil ratio (30–50%), catalyst concentration (0.5–1.5 wt%), power (200–300watts), and duration (5–7 minutes) are the four process parameters. Through experimentation, biodiesel with a (78.95–94.62) yield was produced. The quadratic model from BBD has an R-squared value of 0.9945, and the predicted R-squared value is 0.9945.