An Overview on the Production of Biodiesel Enabled by Continuous Flow Methodologies
Claudia Carlucci
Abstract
Biodiesel was produced via transesterification reaction catalyzed by acids, bases, enzymes or supercritical fluids. The catalysis was homogeneous or heterogeneous and the process could be carried out in batch or using a continuous flow process. Microreactors allowed us to obtain better control of the experimental variables, such as temperature, pressure and flow rate, carrying out the reactions in safe conditions, avoiding exothermic and dangerous processes. The synthetic methodologies in continuous flow, combined with other technologies as microwave irradiation or ultrasounds, led to complete automation of the process with an increase in efficiency, also applicable on an industrial scale.
Topics & Concepts
Process engineeringMicroreactorSupercritical fluidTransesterificationExothermic reactionBiodiesel productionBiodieselContinuous flowProcess (computing)Materials scienceComputer scienceCatalysisBiochemical engineeringChemistryEngineeringOrganic chemistryOperating systemBiodiesel Production and ApplicationsInnovative Microfluidic and Catalytic Techniques InnovationEnzyme Catalysis and Immobilization