Production and statistical optimization of biodiesel from kitchen chimney dump lard

Abstract

Background: The global upsurge in world energy demand, sharp decline in petrofuels reserves, and greater concerns about the environment has constrained mankind to investigate newer and renewable feedstocks for liquid transportation fuels. Existent bioenergy feedstocks cannot suffice for the petro crude reserves, new feedstock for the same will serve as an incremental step for addressing the long recognized problem of energy supply and simultaneously also support further research endeavors related to green chemistry, feed stock biology and bio-energy research. In this regard, the present investigation aims to highlight kitchen chimney dump lard (a bio-waste), as a prospective feedstock for biodiesel production. Results: Statistical implication (response surface methodology, RSM) can be helpful in design of experiments for biodiesel production and allied approaches. Biodiesel was produced from KCDL which contains high amount of free fatty acids (acid value 28 mg KOH/gm) by a two stage transesterification process. The biodiesel yield was optimized using RSM for optimal production and the yield was found to be 82% compared to 80% predicted using RSM. The biodiesel was characterized by CHN, GC-MS and FTIR spectroscopy. The fuel properties namely density, viscosity, cloud point, pour point, flash point and calorific value were analyzed to access the quality of the fuel. The results suggest the feasibility of biodiesel production from KCDL. Conclusion: Production of biodiesel from KCDL is feasible and warrants necessary research.