Optimization of biodiesel production from waste fish oil

• Fish waste oil was used as raw material for the production of biodiesel.
• Alkali-catalyzed transesterification with methanol was performed.
• High biodiesel yield stresses the potential of the process.
• Fuel properties such as viscosity, oxidative stability and COM were evaluated.
• A full factorial experimental design and statistical modeling were performed.

The present study deals with the production of biodiesel using waste fish oil. The research assesses the effect of the transesterification parameters on the biodiesel yield and its properties, including temperature (40–60 °C), molar ratio methanol to oil (3:1–9:1) and reaction time (30–90 min). The experimental results were fitted to complete quadratic models and optimized by response surface methodology. All the biodiesel samples presented a FAME content higher than 93 wt.% with a maximum, 95.39 wt.%, at 60 °C, 9:1 of methanol to oil ratio and 90 min. On the other hand, a maximum biodiesel yield was found at the same methanol to oil ratio and reaction time conditions but at lower temperature, 40 °C, which reduced the saponification of triglycerides by the alkaline catalyst employed. Adequate values of kinematic viscosity (measured at 30 °C) were obtained, with a minimum of 6.30 mm2/s obtained at 60 °C, 5.15:1 of methanol to oil ratio and 55.52 min. However, the oxidative stability of the biodiesels produced must be further improved by adding antioxidants because low values of IP, below 2.22 h, were obtained. Finally, satisfactory values of completion of melt onset temperature, ranging from 3.31 °C to 3.83 °C, were measured.