M. Aliyu

Process Optimization, Empirical Modeling and Characterization of Biodiesel from Cottonseed Oil

The optimization of biodiesel production from a Typical Nigerian cottonseed oil using sodium hydroxide as catalyst is presented. 23 factorial design was employed to study the combined effect of temperature (40–60 °C), mole ratio of methanol to oil (6:1–8:1) and catalyst concentration (0.5–1.0 wt%). The optimum yield of 96.23 wt% was obtained at 0.5% w/v potassium hydroxide at a temperature of 40 °C and Molar ratio of 6:1 for 90 min. A Model equation that shows the relationship between biodiesel yield and process variables was developed using a statistical tool. Statistical Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the data shows that molar ratio has the most pronounced positive effect on the biodiesel yield. The methyl ester was characterized and all the properties were consistent with the ASTM standard.