Ultrasound-assisted transesterification of inedible olive oil

In this study, effects of different reaction variables, namely ultrasound power level (30, 90, and 150 W), methanol to oil molar ratio (3, 9, and 15), catalyst concentration (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%), reaction time (15, 30, and 45 min), and ultrasound temperature (45, 55, and 65 °C) were evaluated on yield and purity of the biodiesel. The highest methyl ester purity (98.95%) and yield (92.69%) were observed at ultrasound power level of 90W, methanol to oil molar ratio of 9, catalyst concentration of 1.0%, reaction time of 30 min, and temperature of 55 °C. Therefore, ultrasound heating method can be introduced as a suitable alternative method for biodiesel production from inedible olive oil.

Keywords:

Ultrasound , Transesterification , Olive oil