Efficient production of biodiesel from Cannabis sativa oil using intensified transesterification (hydrodynamic cavitation) method

摘要

In order to commercialize and maximize biodiesel production, there is an evident need to search contemporary and evidently efficient technique for its mass production, which lowers the reaction time and manufacturing cost as well as save the energy. This paper is basically an investigation of a brand new method for successful conversion of biodiesel derived through alkali-catalyzed transesterification ofCannabis sativaL. oil using a hydrodynamic cavitation reactor. The subsequent effects of the oil to methanol molar ratio (3:1-7:1), catalyst concentration (0.5-1.25 wt.%), and reaction temperature (50 degrees C-65 degrees C) have been studied by utilizing an optimized plate with seven holes of 3 mm diameter in a 10 L of hydrodynamic cavitation reactor. Optimal conversion of 97.5% was thoroughly achieved within 20 min in a hydrodynamic cavitation reactor with 6:1 molar ratio of oil to methanol, 1 wt. % of catalyst, 60 degrees C of reaction temperature and 3 bar of upstream operating pressure. Further observations indicated a significant reduction in the optimum reaction time for transesterification from 90 min for mechanical stirring approach to 20 min for the hydrodynamic cavitation approach.