Refinación de la fase glicerina del biodiesel de aceite de palma empleando ácidos minerales

Abstract

A method is proposed for the purification of glycerin from palm oil biodiesel production to achieve the required standards, for use in applications non-requiring USP grade (United States Pharmacopoeia), particularly those defined by Colombian standards. A factorial design 2 3 was used with the three variables: type of acid (phosphoric or sulfuric acid), quantity of methanol and pH. It was found that the treatment with sulfuric acid, 50% methanol and pH of 6 gave the best results, and requires an activated carbon bleaching to meet the required color. Refined and bleached glycerin obtained meets the requirements of glycerin type 2 grades 1 and 2 according to the Colombian standard NTC1274.