Optimized biodiesel yield in a hydrodynamic cavitation reactor using response surface methodology

Biodiesel is a non-polluting and non-toxic energy source that can replace conventional diesel. However, the higher production cost and raw material scarcity became challenges that obstruct the commercialization of biodiesel production. In the current investigation, fried cooking oil is used for biodiesel production in a hydrodynamic cavitation reactor, thus enhancing raw material availability and helping better waste oil disposal. However, due to the cavitation effect inside the reactor, the hydrodynamic cavitation reactor can give biodiesel yield above 98%. Thus, the use of orifice plates (having a different number of holes for cavitation) in the reactor shows more than 90% biodiesel yield within 10 mins of a time interval. The effects of rising temperature at different molar ratios are also investigated. The five-hole plate achieves the highest yield for a 4.5:1 molar ratio at 65C. And the similar result is predicted by the response surface methodology model; however, the optimized yield is obtained at 60C. The investigation will help understand the effect of hydrodynamic cavitation on biodiesel yield at different molar ratios and elevated temperatures.