A Kinetics And Thermodynamics Analysis Approach On Methanol Treated Vegetable Oil Transesterification Process Technologies

Abstract

Biodiesel production technologies are rapidly evolved owing to the need in finding the most efficient process especially views based on reaction rate and conversion or yield. Current processes tend to develop on the use of heterogeneous catalysts than homogeneous catalysts due to separation process simplicity. Other potential process is a non-catalytic supercritical process offering, high conversion with fast reaction. Nevertheless, its high pressure condition becomes not viable accordingly. In contrast, a non-catalytic superheated methanol vapor (SMV) offered atmospheric pressure condition with continuous withdrawing of product. The SMV is a potential technology for continuous biodiesel production despite of having low reaction rate. Kinetics and thermodynamics analysis are, therefore, reviewed in this paper as process consideration for further development of biodiesel production technologies leading to a new process approach, the catalytic superheated methanol vapor (CSMV).