Microwave-assisted transesterification of soybean and rice bran oil to biodiesel

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2010

Abstract

Microwave-assisted transesterification of oils offers the advantages of shorter reaction times, a lower alcohol/oil ratio, reduced catalyst consumption and an energy efficient operation. The purpose of this study was to optimize transesterification parameters for a batch microwave system using refined soybean and rice bran oil in the presence of two different alcohols namely methanol (predominantly used) and ethanol (safer alternative). Sodium hydroxide at <0.2% (by weight of oil) concentration was the catalyst of choice. Molar methanol and ethanol to oil ratio was maintained at 5:1 and 9:1, respectively. Reactions were carried at temperatures of 60, 70 and 80°C for times ranging between 5-20 min. The results show that conversions of >95% were achieved under all experimental conditions tested. Experimental results concluded that methanol was more suitable solvent than ethanol for biodiesel production. The biodiesel thus obtained was analyzed using various ASTM standards to determine if it met the required standards.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2010, ASABE 2010

First Page

3237

Last Page

3241

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