Abstract: Fatty acid alkyl esters may be manufactured by transesterification of triglycerides, which is essentially an equilibrium reaction of various consecutive, reversible reactions. Process variables of (catalytic) transesterification of triglycerides with alcohols, such as reaction temperature, nature of the alcohol, molar ratio of alcohol to oil, catalyst type and concentration, purity of reactants, and mixing intensity are critically evaluated in relation to product yield. Various process intensification methods are described, which take advantage of microwaves, ultrasonics, supercritical fluids, dynamic turbulence or co-solvents. The benefits of insitu transesterification are also considered. Production of alkyl esters from vegetable oils via non-catalytic reactions also has been evaluated.
Key words: Transesterification, vegetable oils and animal fats, process variables, process intensification, in-situ transesterification.
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