Membrane reactors

Abstract

Membrane reactors are an emerging technology for biodiesel production, combining both reaction and separation in a single unit aiming to overcome the equilibrium limitations by removal of reaction products. This chapter gives an overview on using membrane reactors in the production of biodiesel, where membrane plays an important role by removing glycerol from the product stream or by retaining the un-reacted triglycerides within the membrane. Pervaporation is also described as a process intensification technology applicable to biodiesel.