Transesterification of sunflower oil in a countercurrent trickle-bed reactor packed with a CaO catalyst

摘要: Abstract Transesterification of sunflower oil with methanol to form biodiesel was performed in a countercurrent trickle-bed reactor, using calcium oxide particles 1–2 mm diameter as packed, solid base catalyst. Although production generally requires reaction temperature below the boiling point maintain heterogeneous, liquid–liquid reaction, present study varied from 80 140 °C confirm progress transesterification gas–liquid–solid phase system. Oil droplets released thin tube flowed downward, while vaporized upward bed. The effects temperature, and flow rates, bed height on FAME yield were investigated. residence time which controlled by changing both rate height, had significant effect yield. In addition, increased maximal at 373 K due change associated reduced viscosity higher temperatures. 98% when rates 3.8 4.1 mL/h, respectively.