The production of standard biodiesel from soybean oil in a batch reactor. catalyst.
Published: 2006
Language: eng
Number of pages: 109
ISBN-13: 9780494164037
Description: A single-step batch transestenfication process that uses sodium hydroxide catalyst has been developed for the conversion of refined vegetable oils to biodiesel methyl esters that meet biodiesel standards particularly with regard to glyceride content and acid number. Tetrahydrofuran is used as a cosolvent to form a single phase for the initial homogeneous reaction. The optimal methanol to oil molar ratio is 12:1 and the optimal sodium hydroxide catalyst concentration is 0.74 wt% based on the oil. A glycerol-rich phase separates during the reaction and mixing is required to remove hydroxide ion to this phase and provide methoxide ion to the methyl ester-rich phase. Biodiesel standard product is formed in 15 minutes in a continuously mixed batch reactor at 23ʻC. Two proposed isolation and purification treatments have been tested successfully to remove the solvents, mineral acid, salt of mineral acid, glycerol, and glycerides to refine the crude methyl ester products.
Notes: Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 44-06, page: 2884.

Thesis (M.A.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2006.

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