A process simulation and optimization study of non-catalytic biodiesel synthesis from algae oil using supercritical methanol Eine Studie zur Prozesssimulation und Optimierung der nicht-katalytischen Biodieselsynthese aus Algenöl unter Verwendung von überkritischem Methanol

The growing global demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources has intensified research efforts in biodiesel production. This study investigates the optimization and simulation of biodiesel production from Chlorella algae oil using a supercritical transesterification process without any catalyst. Avoiding the use of a catalyst eliminates potential issues associated with water content in the algae oil and reduces pretreatment costs. The research involves a two-step approach: conducting a simulation study to develop a validated process simulation model, followed by process optimization using response surface methodology (RSM). The input parameters - temperature, pressure, and residence time - are analyzed to maximize the biodiesel yield, which is the response function. A face-centered central composite design is utilized for experimental setup and statistical analysis of the results. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used for the optimization procedure. The statistical analysis highlights temperature as the most significant process parameter compared to residence time and pressure. This optimization process results in a maximum biodiesel yield of 99.6 % at an optimum temperature of 343.5 °C, 43.2 bar pressure, and 139.5 minutes of residence time. This study provides significant insights into non-catalytic biodiesel production from algae oil, presenting an effective method for improving biodiesel yield.