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Simultaneous Conversion of Triglyceride/Free Fatty Acid Mixtures into Biodiesel Using Sulfated Zirconia

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Abstract

Simultaneous transesterification and esterification of rapeseed oil with methanol in the presence of myristic acid was investigated. The effect of reaction temperature (120, 150 and 170 °C) and the effect of initial free fatty acid content in oil (0, 10 and 20 wt%) on reaction rate were studied. The catalysts were found to increase the rate of all reactions. Sulfated zirconia prepared by a solvent-free method exhibited higher activity in simultaneous reaction than the conventional method. The presence of 10 wt% free fatty acids in the triglyceride increased the reaction rate and the final total fatty acid methyl esters content, and suggests that a “non-catalytic” reaction may be feasible.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Ministry of Science and Technology, Thailand for financial support, and Professor Allen Wright and Ms. Julie Parker (both of CEAM, Newcastle University, UK) for use and training on their high temperature Parr reactor.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand

    Dussadee Rattanaphra & Penjit Srinophakun

  2. School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK

    Adam Harvey

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  1. Dussadee Rattanaphra
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  2. Adam Harvey
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  3. Penjit Srinophakun
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Correspondence to Adam Harvey.

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Rattanaphra, D., Harvey, A. & Srinophakun, P. Simultaneous Conversion of Triglyceride/Free Fatty Acid Mixtures into Biodiesel Using Sulfated Zirconia. Top Catal 53, 773–782 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11244-010-9463-2

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