Optimization of Process Parameters in Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil Using Taguchi-Grey Relational Analysis

The environmental scenario is demanding to safeguard of natural resources due to the degradation of the environment in day-to-day life. The increasing demand for fossil fuel energy is a threat to the environment as it has many negative impacts. So, the production of alternative fuel is increasing in recent years which can be developed from renewable sources. The production of biodiesel is increasing as an alternative fuel as it is biodegradable and non-toxic. It can be derived from renewable and domestic resources and compared to petroleum-based diesel; it has many advantages such as low emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and unburned hydrocarbons. In this present study, an attempt was made to produce biodiesel from waste cooking oil by the method of transesterification. The catalyst used was KOH. The highest yield obtained was 86.3%. The Taguchi-grey relational analysis was used as an optimization tool to optimize the yield of the produced biodiesel. To find the significance of each selected process parameter, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed. The parameter that had the highest contribution was found to be reaction time followed by alcohol-to-oil molar ratio and catalyst concentration. The factor that was not found to be significant and with the least contribution to output response was reaction temperature.