Biodiesel Production
There are three basic methods of biodiesel production:- Base catalyzed transesterification of oil
- Acid catalyzed transesterification of oil
- Conversion of the oil to its fatty acids and then to biodiesel
The catalyst is typically sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide dissolved in methyl alcohol. The reaction mixture of oil and catalyst is kept just above the boiling point of the alcohol to accelerate the reaction. The recommended reaction time varies from 1 to 8 hours. Excess alcohol is usually used to ensure complete conversion of the fat or oil to its esters. After separation of the glycerol and biodiesel phases, the excess alcohol is removed by evaporation or distillation.Degussa has developed a special catalyst: sodium methylate.
During the production process, a 30 percent solution of sodium methylate in methanol controls the reaction of the oil to biodiesel and glycerin. Only about 17 to 18 kilograms of this catalyst are needed for one ton of raw material. At the end of the process, the methyl ester and glycerol are separated. After purification, the glycerol can be sold to the chemical or pharmaceutical industries. Degussa markets these catalyst solutions in ready-to-use form. The catalyst can be added directly from the storage tank to the production process and is mainly used in large plants with an annual capacity of 50,000 to 100,000 metric tons. An advantage of the Degussa catalyst is that it produces a high yield of high-quality glycerin. Approximately two-thirds of the large biodiesel plants are designed around this catalyst.
Another related catalyst, potassium methylate, is used to produce biodiesel from waste cooking fat. Biodiesel production with the alkoxide catalysts offers significant economic advantages over the alternatives of sodium and potassium hydroxide.
[Source: Degussa].
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This is Marcy from Shanghai MX Trading CO., LTD, I hope you’re doing great in this Christmas season.We would like to introduce you our products briefly, we know you are in the bio-diesel business which is just falling into our business scope. We are writing to enter into business relations with you on a basis of mutual benefits and common developments.
We are providing Sodium Methoxide Powder and Methanol Solution which are widely using in bio-diesel production. With high standards and excellent supply chain management, we can provide high & stable quality products with best price & on time delivery for all of our partners.
We sincerely expect to build a long term and stable supply chain with your esteemed side to achieve win-win cooperation. We are confident that our service will help our partner become more productive, efficient and profitable.
marcy - 10/12/2018