Production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil with ultrasonic method

Biodiesel production with ultrasonic processes is carried out faster and with less energy compared to traditional methods. In this study, optimum production parameters were investigated in biodiesel production by ultrasonic assisted transesterification process. Waste frying oil was used as raw material in the experiments for biodiesel production. The effects of parameters determined as device probe height, oil temperature, amount of KOH and methanol by weight, duty cycle, reaction time on conversion efficiency, viscosity and density were investigated. The Taguchi method was used in the experimental design and the L18 orthogonal array was chosen for this. The effect of test parameters on conversion efficiency, viscosity and density was evaluated by analysis of variance. With the response surface method, the effects of test parameters on conversion efficiency, viscosity and density were examined with three-dimensional graphics, and optimization was made. As a result, optimum parameters were determined for biodiesel production in accordance with the standards. After optimization, it was determined that 10 mm probe height, 1% wt KOH, 24 wt% methanol, 65% duty cycle, 30℃ oil temperature and six minutes reaction time were the most suitable parameters. Biodiesel production was carried out according to these determined parameters. According to the fuel analysis results of the obtained biodiesel, it was determined that it complies with TSE EN 14214 standards.