Influence of the Acid Value on Biodiesel Fuel Production Using a Two-Step Batch Process With a Homogeneous Catalyst

Takami Kai; Atsushi Kubo; Tsutomu Nakazato; Hirokazu Takanashi; Yoshimitsu Uemura

Authors

Takami Kai Department of Chemical Engineering, Kagoshima University, 1-21-40 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan Author
Atsushi Kubo Department of Chemical Engineering, Kagoshima University, 1-21-40 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan Author
Tsutomu Nakazato Department of Chemical Engineering, Kagoshima University, 1-21-40 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan Author
Hirokazu Takanashi Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Chemical Engineering, Kagoshima University, 1-21-40 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan Author
Uemura Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Bandar Seri Iskandar, 31750 Tronhoh, Perak, Malaysia Author

Keywords:

Biodiesel, used oil, methanol , potassium hydroxide, two step

Abstract

A two-step batch process was optimized for the production of biodiesel fuel by the transesteri cation of used vegetable oils containing the
free fatty acids. The optimum reaction conditions for reducing unreacted glycerides to less than 1 wt% were determined. Potassium hydroxide
dissolved in methanol was used as a catalyst. The e ect of the quantity of free fatty acid on the conditions required for e cient conversion
was clari ed. In addition, the optimum ratio of KOH to methanol based on the overall cost of producion was determined.