Kinetics of Rapeseed Oil Methanolysis in presence of KOH Catalyst – Studied with Gas Chromatography

Kinetic study of methanolysis of rapeseed oil in two phase liquid-liquid systems is performed in a batch reactor observing substances concentration gradient for process optimization. Concentration of initial substances, temperature of the system and stirring speed have significant effect on transesterification of rapeseed oil. They are considered as dominant factors to be optimized. Transesterification mechanism is known to be mass-transfer and kinetically controlled. Based on this mechanism kinetic equations for the transesterification have been derived. Theoretical equations are in good agreement with the results obtained from experimental analysis. After experimental validation, simulation has been done over a wide range of transesterification duration for optimized temperature and stirring speed. Simulation results predicted that for optimized condition, it is possible to obtain higher biodiesel production in the transesterification process. Results from this study signify effect of rapeseed oil transesterification kinetics on biodiesel production. This batch process study can be applicable for flow through reactor performance prediction which will be helpful for industrial application of this technology.