Laboratory-scale reactor

This study consists of the optimization of the methyl ester yields produced via transesterification of palm oil using CaO/Al2O3 solid base catalyst. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in combination with Central Composite Design (CCD) was used to optimize the operating parameters. Alcohol/oil molar ratio, catalyst content in the reaction medium and reaction temperature were chosen as the variables and the response selected was the amount of methyl ester yields. All the reactions were performed in a batch laboratory scale reactor for 5 h; the optimum reaction conditions obtained were approximately alcohol/oil molar ratio of 12:1, catalyst content of 6 wt.% and reaction temperature of 65 °C. The results from ICP-MS exhibited insignificant leaching of the CaO active species into the reaction medium and the reusability of the catalyst was successfully tested in two subsequent cycles. Under certain reaction conditions the glycerol obtained was almost colorless. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

http://ac.els-cdn.com/S0378382009003051/1-s2.0-S0378382009003051-main.pdf?_tid=a1db0a48-2363-11e4-b3fd-00000aab0f02&acdnat=1407987335_53f85d1174b65a2ec5a5c02ab128f15a 
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378382009003051

In this work the response surface methodology (RSM) in conjunction with the central composite design (CCD) were used to optimize the activity of CaO/Al2O3 solid catalysts for the production of biodiesel. In order to measure the catalyst activity, we used palm oil as a representative raw material for the conversion to biodiesel. The biodiesel production was carried out in a batch laboratory scale reactor. The results showed that both the calcination temperature and the amount of calcium oxide loaded on the support had significant positive effects on the biodiesel yield. The maximum basicity and biodiesel yield obtained were about 194 μmol/g and 94%, respectively. Overall, the catalyst showed high performance at moderate operating conditions and its activity was maintained after two cycles. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

http://ac.els-cdn.com/S0926860X09004840/1-s2.0-S0926860X09004840-main.pdf?_tid=37188ce8-2364-11e4-a4f0-00000aacb35d&acdnat=1407987585_84b5785349eaf3dd76ae1aa6727333bb 
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926860X09004840

In this work the response surface methodology (RSM) in conjunction with the central composite design (CCD) were used to optimize the activity of CaO/Al 2 O 3 solid catalysts for the production of biodiesel. In order to measure the catalyst activity, we used palm oil as a representative ...