Pilot Scale Intensification of Pistacia Khinjuk Oil via Chemical Interesterification using Hydrodynamic Cavitation Technology

Abstract

Intensifying the reaction of non-edible Pistacia khinjuk oil with methyl acetate utilising potassium methoxide as a catalyst with hydrodynamic cavitation is a sustainable way of biodiesel synthesis. The objective of current study is to intensify the non-edible oil in the hydrodynamic caviation pilot reactor for the production of cleaner and greener biofuel. There were experimental tests with differently designed plates on the numerous upstream pressure ranges. It was noted that at the molar ratio of 1:17, catalyst concentration of 1.0 wt% and temperature of 55 °C, the maximum (98 %) production of Pistacia khinjuk methyl ester was observed utilising hydrodynamic cavitation reactor. In the presence of orifice plates, greater conversion compared to conventional methods was also observed. The Pistacia khinjuk oil methyl ester was characterised as per international standards. All tests passed the international tests and would be utilised as a substitute for fossil originated diesel.