Biodiesel production from crude palm oil (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.). Ascending path method application

Abstract

Transesterification from vegetable oils to biodiesel is an alternative to substitute fossil fuels. Production of biodiesel from crude palm oil (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is an option, nevertheless, it needs to explore process conditions. Our objective was to evaluate variables that influence in output of biodiesel from crude palm oil and to implement the method of ascending path. Transesterification of crude palm oil with methanol was performed for 2 h in a batch reactor with sodium hydroxide as catalyst (NaOH) and stirring speed of 2000 rpm. Factors studied were methanol-oil molar ratio (RMA) (5-8:1), catalyst concentration (0.8% - 2%) and reaction temperature (50 C° - 70°C), using a factorial design 2³ with central points. Catalyst concentration was the significant factor (p < 0.01). Ascending route method allowed maximize performance of 98.45% biodiesel crude with RMA of 6.7:1, NaOH concentration of 0.75% and temperature 58 °C.