Investigation of optimum parameters for biodiesel production technique using thf (tetrahydrofuran) as solvent agent

Abstract

Biodiesel (fatty acid methyl ester), which is derived from triglycerides by transesterification with alcohol, has attaracted considerable attention during the past decades as a renewable, biodegradable, non toxic fuel. Several processes for biodiesel fuel production have been developed, among which the transesterification using alkali catalysis gives high yields of conversion. The main problem of transesterfication reaction is that the reactants are not readily miscible. This leads to a longer reaction time and so higher fixed capital investments and product costs. Introducing a solvent agent such as THF (tetrahydrofuran), enables the reaction to be one phase. Therefore, complete conversion is achieved up to 99.89 wt% in very short reaction time such as 10 minutes. In this report, the results of the experiments, carried out in the Quality Control Laboratory of Fox Petroli SPA Vasto Plant, Italy, are published. The experiments are performed to see optimum conditions of this solvent using technique. The results would lead lower capital investments and operating expenses for biodiesel production.