Optimization of key parameters using RSM for improving the production of the green biodiesel from FAME by hydrotreatment over Pt/SAPO-11

One-step hydrotreatment of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) was conducted to produce the green biodiesel over Pt/SAPO-11. Four key operating parameters including temperature, pressure, hydrogen-ester volume ratio (H/E) and liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV), based on the response surface methodology (RSM)-central composite design (CCD), were selected to optimize with five levels, which improved the production of the green biodiesel. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) explained the reliability of the optimization model well. A mathematical model with a second order quadratic equation was built to predict the production of the green biodiesel. The liquid yield, deoxygenation rate, and selectivity of C15-18 alkanes are 72 wt%, 100%, and 98.87%, respectively, under the optimization conditions of temperature at 380 degrees C, pressure at 4 MPa, H/E ratio at 800 NmL.mL(-1) and LHSV at 1.0 h(-1). It is also shown that Pt/SAPO-11 remains a stable catalytic performance during 120 h test. Finally, a reaction pathway revealed that the decarbonylation is a key pathway during one-step hydrotreatment process.

Automated summary

One-step hydrotreatment of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) using Pt/SAPO-11 catalyst was conducted to produce green biodiesel. Optimization of temperature, pressure, H/E ratio, and LHSV improved biodiesel production. The study demonstrated the stability of Pt/SAPO-11 catalyst and revealed decarbonylation as a key pathway.