Optimization of transesterification of Jatropha curcas Oil to Biodiesel using Response Surface Methodology and its Adulteration with Kerosene

Biodiesel has emerged as an alternative to non-renewable diesel fuel. Growing demand for biodiesel has given birth to mal practices such as adulteration which degrade its quality. The present study has dealt with the optimization of biodiesel production from Jatropha curcas oil using a five-level-four-factorial central composite design based on response surface methodology in 54 experimental runs. A biodiesel yield of 98.3% is obtained with methanol/oil ratio (11:1 w/w) using NaOH as catalyst (1% w/w) in 110 min at 55 o C. ANOVA results revealed that catalyst concentration, reaction time and methanol/oil molar ratio had a significant effect on JCB yield. A model equation for predicting the yield of biodiesel is formulated which can be successfully adopted in oil industry to maximize the yield of methyl esters. The properties of the biodiesel, thus, produced conform to the ASTM and BIS specifications, making it an ideal alternative fuel for diesel engines. The adulteration of biodiesel with kerosene has been studied using viscosity and density measurement. A number of calibration curves and correlations are developed which can be used to find out the extent of adulteration in biodiesel and determine its quality.