Volume  Number

previous article

next article

Transesterification of waste frying oil for synthesizing biodiesel by KOH supported on coconut shell activated carbon in packed bed reactor

Achanai Buasri^a,b,*, Nattawut Chaiyut^a,b, Vorrada Loryuenyong^a,b, Chao Rodklum^a, Techit Chaikwan^a, Nanthakrit Kumphan^a, Kritsanapong Jadee^a, Pathravut Klinklom^a, Wittaya Wittayarounayut^a

 
ABSTRACT:     Heterogeneous catalysis of transesterification using potassium hydroxide supported on coconut shell activated carbon (KOH/AC) catalyst was used to produce biodiesel from waste frying oil (WFO) and methanol. The effects of reaction temperature, methanol to oil molar ratio, catalyst bed height, reaction time, and reusability of catalyst on the conversion to fatty acid methyl ester in a packed bed reactor were studied. The results showed that increasing reaction temperature, methanol/oil molar ratio, catalyst bed height, and reaction time can enhance the conversion of WFO. The optimum conditions were a reaction temperature of 60 °C, methanol/oil molar ratio 25:1, catalyst bed height 250 mm, and reaction time 2 h which yielded 86.3% of the conversion. KOH/AC could be used repeatedly for 4 times without activity loss and no activation treatment was required. The fuel properties of biodiesel were determined.

Download PDF

80 Downloads 1224 Views

* Corresponding author, E-mail: achanai130@gmail.com

Received 9 Apr 2012, Accepted 1 Aug 2012