Optimization of Cotton and Mahogany seeds oils Transesterification using Taguchi Approach for Hardening Application
Publication Date : 22/09/2020
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Abstract :
In this study, Taguchi method has been applied to optimize performance characteristics (ester yield, specific heat capacity and heat transfer coefficient) of transesterified oil using best combination of transesterification process parameters. In the events of the optimization analyses, the parameters considered are methanol to oil molar ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature and stirring. The average value of two repeated results for the each performance characteristics was calculated and considered the final result. Design of experiment adopted was L9 orthogonal array. The mean response and signal to noise (S/N) ratio results showed the best combinations of experimental conditions for the three optimum responses. Taguchi models equations have been validated through confirmation tests. Among the process parameters, methanol-to-oil molar ratio emerges as the most influencing parameter on the ester yield, specific heat capacity (SHC) and heat transfer coefficient (HTC) of the transesterified oils. The transesterified oils were characterized using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Accordingly, the results obtained are indicative enough to recommend transesterified oils produced with optimum SHC and HTC as a viable alternative to mineral oils in hardening heat treatment of high hardenable steels.
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