Development and Evaluation of Infrared Radiated Biodiesel Production System

Biodiesel is a renewable and potentially more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional diesel fuel, primarily derived from renewable sources such as plant-based oils and animal fats. In contrast to petroleum-based diesel, biodiesel has the potential to reduce certain emissions, promoting a cleaner environment and positioning it as a viable choice. In this study, a biodiesel production system using infrared radiation technique was developed and tested. Refined soybean oil was used as raw material for the conversion to biodiesel by transesterification process using the developed system. The different process parameters such as methanol (15% to 25% v/v of oil), potassium hydroxide (0.5% to 1.5% w/v of oil) and reaction time (30 to 90 minutes) were studied for the transesterification of soybean oil at 60°C reaction temperature. The optimal parameters were decided using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) combined with a Box-Behnken three factor three level experimental design combinations. The optimal conditions for maximum biodiesel production (95%) were found to be 23% methanol, 0.8% KOH, and 60 min reaction time at 60°C reaction temperature. The developed infrared radiation-based system was found suitable for biodiesel production.