Reuse of Fried Oil to Obtain Biodiesel: Zeolites Y as a Catalyst
The transesterification reaction is the most utilized process to obtain biodiesel. Fried oil transesterification reactions with methanol have been studied using several zeolites Y and interchanged with CsCl and KOH. The reaction has been carried out both in a slurry reactor and a fixed bed catalytic reactor. The catalytic effects of zeolites have been tested within a temperature range of 60-476°C, 2.5-5% catalyst/waste oil weight ratio, and 6:1 - 100:1 methanol/oil molar ratio. Cosolvents (THF, n-hexane) in the reaction feedstock effect have also been studied as well as catalyst regeneration effects. Viscosity of both the oil and the transesterification reaction products was determined as an initial guide to investigate the degree of conversion to biodiesel as well as FAME content by GC. When interchanged zeolites are used conversions are improved, getting the best yields (98% FAME) for the Y756 zeolite interchanged with KOH. Viscosities of the reaction product obtained reached values next to diesel standard ones.