Taguchi L9 Optimization Approach on Biodiesel Production from Jatropha Curcas Oil

This research work studied the production and optimization of biodiesel from Jatropha Curcas oil(JCO) using a heterogeneous bi-functional catalyst synthesized from a blend of snail shells and kaolin. TheJatropha curcas oil was mixed with methanol and catalysts to undergo a tranesterification reaction. Thecharacterization of the Jatropha curcas oil (JCO) was done using American Society Testing Methods (ASTM).The heterogeneous catalyst was also characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and X-ray diffraction. The transesterification reaction was repeated with varying catalystweight, oil to methanol ratio, reaction time, and reaction temperature. The optimization of the concurrentesterification and transesterification of Jatropha Curcas oil (JCO) was executed using Taguchi L9 approach, whichencompasses the manipulation of four variables, each with three levels, while monitoring two key responses. Thebiodiesel produced was characterized and compared with biodiesel standards specified by ASTM D6751 and EN14214. The optimal value of the reaction shows a conversion of 91.32% at a methanol to oil ratio of 12:1. Thecatalyst used was found to be economically viable after being reuse for 5 run without treatment and still produceda significant yield of 75.39%.