Optimization Study to Maximize Biodiesel Yield Produced from Waste Vegetable Oil for a Pilot Scale Plant

Abstract Given the decreasing supply of fossil fuels and the unpleasant release of primary and secondary pollutants, while burning these fossil fuels, it has become essential to look for alternative fuels. Hence, the paper focuses on producing fuel that is environmentally friendly as well as economically feasible. Following the transesterification reaction, the production of biodiesel from waste vegetable oil in the presence of sodium methoxide catalyst was optimized using Design of Experiments software. The process was performed on the lab scale and pilot plant scale in a portable skid-mounted reactor plant of capacity 25 L capable of producing 15 L/batch, and 60 L/day. The performance of product biodiesel was then assessed by blending it with commercial diesel made from petroleum and testing its ability to burn in an internal combustion engine. The study provided a good biodiesel yield of (99%), which is commercially viable.