Optimization of Extraction
Process and Kinetics of <i>Sterculia foetida</i> Seed Oil
and Its Process Augmentation
for Biodiesel Production
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Abstract
This article reports optimization and kinetic studies
on extraction
of <i>Sterculia foetida</i> seed oil and process optimization
for biodiesel production from the same. The oil extraction follows
first-order kinetics, and the yield was found to reach a maximum of
55.58 wt % for a 1:12 seed-to-hexane weight ratio. The activation
energy and activation thermodynamic parameters at 338 K were determined
as <i>E</i><sub>a</sub> = 69.441 kJ mol<sup>–1</sup>, Δ<i>H</i><sup>‡</sup> = 66.63 kJ mol<sup>–1</sup>, Δ<i>S</i><sup>‡</sup> = −238.07
J mol<sup>–1</sup> K<sup>–1</sup>, and Δ<i>G</i><sup>‡</sup> = 147.09 kJ mol<sup>–1</sup>. Complete physicochemical properties of the oil were analyzed using
standard methods. The low acid value of 0.42 mg of KOH g<sup>–1</sup> for fresh oil enables alkali catalytic transesterification. Different
biodiesel production parameters including methanol-to-oil molar ratio,
catalyst concentration, and reaction temperature were examined. An
optimum yield of 95.4 wt % with a conversion of 98.91% was achieved
at values of 6:1, 0.9 wt %, and 338 K, respectively. The fuel properties
of the produced biodiesel were compared with the ASTM D6751 biodiesel
standard
