Response surface methodology optimization of biofuels produced by catalytic pyrolysis of residual palm oil from empty fruit bunch over magnesium oxide

Abstract

The operating conditions for the catalytic conversion of residual crude palm oil from empty fruit bunch to diesel-like biofuels were optimized to determine and characterize the liquid product to define its properties as a diesel-like fuel for further use a renewable fuel and value-added chemical in industry. A 2-level factorial experimental design and statistical methods were applied together with a statistical mathematical model to predict the optimal conditions that maximize the yield and diesel-like product distribution. The response surface methodology, which is a statistical model used to conduct multiple regression analysis, was used to identify the appropriate multivariable equations in the experimental design. The optimal temperature contributed to the breakdown of triglyceride fatty acids due to secondary cracking reactions similar to those that produce diesel fuel due to the high efficiency and selectivity of the MgO catalyst.