Taguchi Orthogonal Array Based Parameter Optimization of Biodiesel Production from Fish Oil using Ultrasonic Energy

The aim of this study is to investigate the application of ultrasonic energy-assisted biodiesel production process from fish oil catalyzed by KOH at different conditions. The optimization of reaction parameters, such as molar ratio of methanol to oil, catalyst concentration and reaction time, on the transesterification for the production of fish oil methyl ester has been studied. The Taguchi method with an L 9 orthogonal array was implemented to optimize the reaction parameters. The optimal experimental conditions obtained from this study were molar ratio of 9:1, catalyst concentration of 1.5% by Wt. and a reaction time of 30 min. According to Taguchi method, the molar ratio contributed the most important role in the yield of fish oil methyl ester. Validations of the model were done by conducting laboratory experiments. Ultrasonic energy assisted biodiesel production process was proved to be an energy efficient and economically feasible process to produce biodiesel.