Esterification of free fatty acids in waste cooking oils (WCO): Role of ion-exchange resins

Oezbay N., Oktar N., Tapan N. A.

FUEL, vol.87, pp.1789-1798, 2008 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 87
  • Publication Date: 2008
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.fuel.2007.12.010
  • Journal Name: FUEL
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1789-1798
  • Keywords: biodiesel, esterification, ion-exchange resins, LIQUID-PHASE ESTERIFICATION, BIODIESEL PRODUCTION, VEGETABLE-OILS, SOLID ACID, METHANOL, CATALYSTS, TRANSESTERIFICATION, FUEL, KINETICS, ETHANOL
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Although WCO plays a crucial role for the economical production of biodiesel, free fatty acid (FFA) level in the nature of WCO cause saponification problems during transesterification. Acidic ion-exchange resins can be used to decrease WCO free fatty acid level. In this study, activities of resins (Amberlyst-15 (A-15), Amberlyst-35 (A-35), Amberlyst-16 (A-16) and Dowex HCR-W2) in direct FFA esterification were examined in the temperature range of 50-60 degrees C and the effect of catalyst amount (1-2 wt%) on FFA conversion was also analyzed. FFA conversion increased with increasing reaction temperature and catalyst amount. Order of catalytic activities was found as A-15 > A-35 > A-16 > Dowex HCR-W2. This was related to the size of average pore diameters and magnitude of BET surface area. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.