<![CDATA[Transesterification is one of the processes for producing biodiesel. The process involves the use of liquid catalyst such as NaOH. However, the presence of Na+ ions in biodiesel accelerates the scale formation and aggravates the combustion engine performance. Therefore, the maximum concentration of Na+ is about 5 mg / kg biodiesel to minimize the effect. Recently, the focus study of transesterification using NaOH as a catalyst is achieving higher conversion. Meanwhile, the reduction process of Na+ remaining in the biodiesel has not yet been studied. The experiments were carried out in a three-neck flask equipped with a reflux condenser where jatropha oil was reacted with methanol. The amount of methanol was 3 times of the stoichiometric molar ratio, while NaOH was used as catalyst. The concentration of Na+ both in the glycerol and biodiesel phases were analyzed. Based on the excess Gibbs free energy, the maximum concentration of NaOH for transesterification of Jatropha oil was 0.0015% weight.]]>
Copyrights © 2008
