Pseudo-Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Kinetic Models of the NaOH-Catalyzed Methanolysis Reaction for Biodiesel Production

Methanolysis of vegetable oils in the presence homogeneous catalysts remains most important process for producing biodiesel. However, there is still a lack accurate description reaction kinetics. This part due to complexity reacting system which large number interconnected reactions take place simultaneously. In this work, attention focused on biphasic character medium, formed by two immiscible liquid phases. The behavior phases investigated regarding their physicochemical properties, mainly density and mutual solubility components, as well composition. addition, kinetic models with different level medium have been developed. It has found that heterogeneous model considering distribution several compounds between them indispensable get good terms oil conversion products yields. captures effects main variables an isothermal batch methanolysis process: methanol/oil molar ratio, time catalyst concentration. Nevertheless, some adjustment required concerns modelling saponification deactivation.