INFLUENCE OF THE ACID VALUE ON BIODIESEL FUEL PRODUCTION USING A TWO-STEP BATCH PROCESS WITH A HOMOGENEOUS CATALYST

Abstract

A two-step batch process was optimized for the production of biodiesel fuel by the transesterication of used vegetable oils containing thefree fatty acids. The optimum reaction conditions for reducing unreacted glycerides to less than 1 wt% were determined. Potassium hydroxidedissolved in methanol was used as a catalyst. The effect of the quantity of free fatty acid on the conditions required for efficient conversionwas clarified. In addition, the optimum ratio of KOH to methanol based on the overall cost of production was determined. Keywords : Biodiesel, used oil, methanol, potassium hydroxide, two step