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Optimization of pretreatment of Jatropha oil with high free fatty acids for biodiesel production

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Abstract

A central composite rotatable design and response surface methodology were used in order to investigate the individual and combined effects of the ethanol-to-oil ratio, H2SO4 concentration, temperature and time of reaction on the reduction of free fatty acid (FFA) in jatropha oil. A quadratic polynomial model relating the reaction variables with FFA reduction was developed, presenting a good coefficient of determination (R 2= 0.893). For reducing FFA to less than 1%, the optimal combination was found to be 0.62 v·v−1 ethanol-to-oil ratio (14.9 v·v−1 ethanol-to-FFA ratio), 1.7% v·v−1 H2SO4 concentration, and 79 min reaction time at a reaction temperature of 54°C. These results are of great relevance to maximize methyl esters formation by transesterification using an alkaline catalyst.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal

    Supriyono Suwito, Giuliano Dragone & José Teixeira

  2. Chemical Engineering Department, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia

    Supriyono Suwito, Hary Sulistyo, Bardi Murachman & Suryo Purwono

Authors
  1. Supriyono Suwito
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  2. Giuliano Dragone
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  3. Hary Sulistyo
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  4. Bardi Murachman
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  5. Suryo Purwono
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  6. José Teixeira
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Correspondence to Giuliano Dragone.

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Suwito, S., Dragone, G., Sulistyo, H. et al. Optimization of pretreatment of Jatropha oil with high free fatty acids for biodiesel production. Front. Chem. Sci. Eng. 6, 210–215 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11705-012-1282-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11705-012-1282-5

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