Optimization of mixed base catalyst in the production of Fish oil Biodiesel using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

The Response Surface Method (RSM) was utilized to obtain the optimal conditions for the fish oil biodiesel via. Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD). Two process variables viz., homogeneous & heterogeneous catalyst were assessed at five levels, with a total of 13 experiments had been designed and conducted to improve biodiesel yield. A yield of 97.3% fish oil methyl ester (FOME/biodiesel) was obtained at different optimum conditions: 2.20% heterogeneous catalyst & 0.06% homogeneous catalyst concentrations. The observed and predicted values of biodiesel yield were associated in-line. (paper)