Abstract

CARDENO, Fernando; RIOS, Luis  and  FRANCO, Alexander. Production of crude palm oil biodiesel by heterogeneous catalysis. Rev.fac.ing.univ. Antioquia [online]. 2010, n.51, pp.81-86. ISSN 0120-6230.

The production of crude palm oil biodiesel was studied by using acid and basic heterogeneous catalysts by pre-esterification and transesterification steps, respectively. Pre-esterification step is necessary for high free fatty acid content oils because problems associated with soap formation are avoided. In both reactions the variables analyzed were catalyst type, temperature and time. Conversion of oil to methyl ester was analyzed using gas chromatography and the stability of catalysts by means of reutilization. In the pre-esterification step it was found that acid catalysts type sulfonated polystyrene resin show high conversion and stability for the esterification of free fatty acids. Heterogeneous catalysts both free and supported in a polymeric matrix potassium carbonate were studied for transesterification. High conversions to biodiesel were obtained. Using the polymeric matrix decreased the potassium carbonate dissolution rate, allowing its reutilization.

Keywords : palm oil; biodiesel; heterogeneous catalysts; preesterification.

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