Biodiesel Production from African Oil Bean Seed Oil: Process Optimization and Characterization Using Hybrid RSM–GA and ANFIS–GA Approaches

Abstract: Coal and natural gas are the primary fossil fuel sources that currently supply the majority of the world's energy needs. However, the World Energy Forum projects that these fossil-based resources could be depleted in less than a century. Consequently, the development of renewable alternatives to conventional diesel has become increasingly important. These alternatives must be technically feasible, economically and technologically competitive, environmentally acceptable, and readily available. Among the available options, biodiesel stands out as the most viable replacement for petroleum-based diesel fuel. In this study, transesterification was employed to produce biodiesel, as it is considered the most efficient and environmentally friendly method among existing production techniques. The feedstock used was African oil bean seed oil, from which Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME), commonly known as biodiesel, were derived. To optimize biodiesel yield, five key process parameters were considered: Catalyst concentration: 0.775 wt% Methanol-to-oil molar ratio: 6.2:1, Agitation speed: 255 rpm, Reaction temperature: 60°C, Reaction time: 60 seconds At these optimal conditions, the biodiesel yield reached 99.75%. The produced biodiesel was subsequently tested and characterized according to ASTM standards, and all measured properties fell within the specified standard limits.