Process Parameter Optimization in Jatropha Methyl Ester Yield Using Taguchi Technique

Among all alternate fuel sources available, the biodiesel of Jatropha curcas appears to be a potential fuel as it widely exists in Asia. The Jatropha methyl ester (JME) is produced by transesterification process. In the transesterification process, alkyl group of ester exchanges with that of an alcohol. This work focuses on optimizing various parameters like quantities of methanol, KOH, and stirrer speed, which influence high JME yield. Based on L-9 orthogonal array, experiments are conducted by using Taguchi technique. All the nine combinations of L-9 orthogonal array are experimentally done for extraction of JME, and then it is used for analysis in Taguchi technique. The analysis of maximum yield is done on the basis of larger is better signal to noise ratio (S/N ratio). The best combination in the L-9 orthogonal array is found to be methanol (110ml), KOH (1.306gm), and stirrer speed (1200rpm). The influence of methanol, KOH, and stirrer speed on the yield is found by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Based on the results of ANOVA, it is found that the influence of methanol, KOH, and stirrer speed on the yield are obtained as 70.10%, 20.35%, and 5.78%, respectively.