Biodiesel synthesis under supercritical conditions provides both energy and economic benefits over the conventional biodiesel production process.  In this study, supercritical transesterification of triolein with methanol was investigated at 355-400�C and 15 MPa. Methanol-to-triolein molar ratio was fixed at 9, while the residence time varied from 0.5-10 min.  The conversion of triolein and the composition of the reaction intermediates were discussed for different reaction conditions.  Free glycerol and bound glycerol fractions in the methyl ester phase were determined according to the analytical method provided by ASTM. Reactions from diolein to monoolein and from monoolein to glycerol are assumed to be reversible reactions.  Values of reaction rate constants have been determined. A three-step kinetic model was modified to predict triolein, diolein and monoolein concentrations in supercritical transesterification.  Values of bound and free glycerol fractions ranged from 0.36 to 1.45 wt % and from 0.18 to 0.54 wt %, respectively.

Kinetics of biodiesel synthesis via supercritical transesterification

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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