Analysis on improving the conversion rate and waste reduction on bioconversion of Citrullus lanatus seed oil and its characterization

Abstract The works focus on maximizing the efficiency and reducing the wastage of reactant to make the possibility of upscaling in the bio-fuel production process for maximum yield conditions. Bio-oil derived from the Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) for synthesizing methyl ester was used as a feedstock. The value of 1.13 mg KOH/g FFA content is recorded in the oil by employing the titration technique. Henceforth, transesterification using base catalyst reaction was allowed to transform watermelon seed oil into methyl ester. The experimental variables like methanol to oil molar ratio, KOH, and time remained for optimization based on the Taguchi technique. The outcome of the work was a 6:1 M ratio, 1 wt% KOH, 150 min and 55 °C are optimal experimental conditions for maximum conversion efficiency of 93.2%. Amid the four entities, the molar ratio was identified as the substantial influencing variable. The EN14214 standards were compared with characteristics of watermelon methyl ester, and the values obtained have fulfilled the requirements.