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).
