Process Optimization for SME Level Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil

Biodiesel is renewable, biodegradable and non-toxic alternative fuel which consist various environmental benefits. Animal fats, non-edible oils and waste cooking oils are the main lipid sources of bio diesel production. Biodiesel production involves the main process of tranesterification where the triglyceride lipid source reacts into Fatty Acid Methyl Esters and Glycerol. Large amount of waste cooking oil is generated per day globally and it is a considerable amount of disposal of available energy. According to the health regulations of waste cooking oil, it is not supposed to be reused in the food industry. In this research, the main objective was to optimize the process requirements and to fabricate a Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) level plant for the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil. The product can be used in place of petroleum diesel for the automotive and industrial level applications without any environmental effect and it ensures the same performances of the internal combustion engines with required modifications.