EVALUATON OF THE INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE ON THE PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL FROM SOYBEAN OIL

Abstract

Given the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, biodiesel - produced from vegetable oils and animal fats - stands out as a viable solution, especially in Brazil, which has abundant raw materials. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of temperature on the production of biodiesel from soybean oil using the transesterification process with methanol and potassium hydroxide as a catalyst. The methodology involved experimental tests at seven temperatures (30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 45°C, 50°C, 55°C e 60°C), conducted in triplicate, totaling 21 trials. After the reaction, the biodiesel was purified through sequential washes with acidic, saline, and distilled water solutions, followed by drying with anhydrous sodium sulfate. The results showed varied yields, with more consistent outcomes at 60 °C. Factors such as inadequate agitation and the presence of water negatively affected phase separation and process efficiency, highlighting the importance of strict control over these variables. It was concluded that temperature, within the analyzed range, did not significantly affect the yield, and it is recommended that future studies explore higher temperature ranges and repeat the tests to obtain more accurate parameters and better understand possible sources of error