Experimental investigation of biodiesel from castor oil: production and kinetics mechanism

Castor oil as a feedstock is relatively cheaper than other oils, which has a great potential for methyl ester (biodiesel) production and fossil fuel replacement. Because of presence of Ricinoleic acid (with reactive groups) it can be used in industrial applications. In this paper, first, the effect of type of catalyst on biodiesel yield was investigated and then effect of four parameters such as: catalyst concentration, Methanol/Oil molar ratio, temperature and mixing intensity on yield of biodiesel has been studied. After determination of the best conditions, this reaction take placed again and some samples in various times were taken and characterized by GC (Gas Chromatography). Also, the kinetics of the castor oil methanolysis process was studied. A mathematical model was developed from a proposed kinetic mechanism. The proposed model equation is essential for predicting the rate of methanolysis of castor oil in a batch or a continuous reactor and for determining the optimal conditions for biodiesel production.

Keywords:

castor oil , biodiesel , transesterification , kinetic