Many different processes have been investigated to produce biodiesel from various triglyceride feedstocks. Both batch reactions and continuous flow processes have been developed in an effort to lower the production costs of biodiesel to make it competitive with diesel fuel derived from crude oil. All production methods currently produce a mixture of biodiesel, catalyst and unreacted oil feed stock that must be purified before the fuel can be distributed for use. We report the results of a project designed to develop a continuous production cycle for biodiesel. This work focuses specifically on the purification of the mixture as it exits the trans-esterification process. Current methods rely on a density-driven process in large settling tanks. While effective, this step in the biodiesel production process adds significant time as the mixture separates, tanks are emptied and cleaned before a new batch can be processed. Purification in this work is accomplished by forcing the mixture through a silica-gel column via a pressure differential. Column height and diameter, flow rates and pressure differentials are varied in order to achieve continuous purification as the mixture exits the trans-esterification process. 

Continuous biodiesel production II: Purification via silica gel columns

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.