Optimization of ethyl ester production from linseed oil using the Taguchi method with an L16 orthogonal design matrix

Renewable energy and its many forms, have been the focus of major interests because of their energy potential and environmental benefits, are now emerging as subjects that need more investigation, particularly in relation to biodiesel fuel. This is due to the uncertainty surrounding oil prices and emission regulations. The study included NaOH concentration (0.6, 0.8, 1, and 1.2 wt.%), ethanol:oil molar ratio (6:1, 8:1, 10:1, and 12:1), temperature of reaction (30, 45, 60, and 75 °C), and duration of reaction (30, 45, 60, and 75 min) as significant parameters influencing the yield of ethyl ester. For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, the L16 orthogonal design matrix of the Taguchi method approach was applied in the present research to optimize the transesterification step parameters from linseed oil. ANOVA validation studies determined the relative influence of the process parameters. A maximum biodiesel yield of 95.20% was obtained under optimum reaction conditions: 1 wt% NaOH, 10:1 ethanol:oil molar ratio, 75°C reaction temperature and 60 min reaction time. The highest contribution ranking of the four variables was 48.95% with the ethanol:oil molar ratio, 22.32% with NaOH loading, 18.24% with the temperature of the reaction, and 9.59% with the duration of the reaction. The fuel properties of synthesized linseed oil ethyl ester, at the specified ideal reaction conditions, were met the range of the standard EN14214.