Factorial design and surface method to optimize ethylic biodiesel production from chicken wastes

Abstract

To produce biodiesel, one of the most important factors is the quality of the oil used in the production. However, other factors such as price and availability should also be taken into consideration. Chicken wastes oil shows a very promising option for this sector, since it comes from a waste. The aim of the present study was a methodology for extraction and characterization of chicken wastes oil for production of biodiesel by ethylic transesterification, besides presenting the characterization and optimization of the process variables of the production of biodiesel, the applying of RSM involving CCD. The investigation was performed following evaluation of the characterization parameters for the oil: viscosity, density, acidity index, moisture of the sample, refractive index, and saponification index. For biodiesel, viscosity, density, acidity index and ester content were evaluated. An optimum point was reached for the production of chicken biodiesel where the concentration of the catalyst is 2.1% by mass, the oil/ethanol ratio is 1:5.5 and the reaction temperature of 30 °C; at that point, a 95% conversion was achieved. At the optimum point obtained from the statistical technique for a p-value of 0.05 the results found for the physical-chemical characterization of biodiesel are found in the ANP standards.