Effect of mass transfer kinetics for maximum production of biodiesel from Jatropha Curcas oil: A mathematical approach

Alternative energy sources are supposed to be the most challenging job of today's world. Among the alternative renewable energy sources, biodiesel attracts considerable attention as an environmental friendly and green energy sources. Biodiesel can be produced from different sources but most suitable and cost effective approach goes to non-edible vegetable oil of fruits of Jatropha Curcas plant through transesterification reaction with methanol. The productivity of biodiesel preparation through transesterification reaction is mainly affected by molar ratios, reaction temperature, catalyst concentration and stirrer speed or mixing effect. Among these parameters, mixing effect through mass transfer limitations has a profound influence for optimal completion of reaction. In the present research investigation, attempts have been made to develop a mathematical model to discuss about the effect of mass transfer in different phases using variation of mixing intensity in transesterification reaction along with temperature. A control theoretic approach is applied to administer the said dynamics for the maximum production of biodiesel.