03-04-2012, 10:03 AM
Production of biodiesel: possibilities and challenges
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Introduction
Biodiesel is defi ned as the mono alkyl esters (methyl
and ethyl esters) of long chain fatty acids derived from
vegetable oils or animal fats, for use in
compression-ignition (diesel) engines. It is formed from
transesterifi cation of vegetable oils with methanol (or
ethanol). Biodiesel has many merits as a renewable energy
resource that include being derived from a renewable,
domestic resource, thereby relieving reliance on petroleum
fuel, and it is biodegradable and non-toxic.
Conventional production of biodiesel
Th e most common way to produce biodiesel is by transesterifi
cation, which refers to a catalyzed chemical reaction
involving vegetable oil and an alcohol to yield fatty acid
alkyl esters (i.e. biodiesel) and glycerol. Several aspects,
including the type of catalyst, alcohol/vegetable oil molar
ratio, temperature, water content and free fatty acid content
have an infl uence on the course of transesterifi cation.
Conventional production of biodiesel
Th e most common way to produce biodiesel is by transesterifi
cation, which refers to a catalyzed chemical reaction
involving vegetable oil and an alcohol to yield fatty acid
alkyl esters (i.e. biodiesel) and glycerol. Several aspects,
including the type of catalyst, alcohol/vegetable oil molar
ratio, temperature, water content and free fatty acid content
have an infl uence on the course of transesterifi cation.