Introduction
The base catalyzed production of Biodiesel is done by the transesterification of tri-glycerides to methyl esters out of oils by adding heat, methanol and catalyst (KOH).
Oils, like recycled cooking oils (yellow grease), animal fat, rapeseed oil, palm oil, soy oil, canola and jatropha. Besides control of the incoming raw material on iodine value (AOCS approved, procedure Cd 1e_01), free fatty acids and moisture content, it is equally important to control the Biodiesel reaction and consequently to check the final properties of the commercial end product. Final control of the end product Biodiesel has to fulfil the requirements of ASTM D 6751 and EN-14214.
Process control can be done for example before phase separation, before and after purification (settle tank and/or ion exchanger). The problem before phase separation is the high content of glycerine, which settled very quickly in the sample container. So a centrifuge preparation step is needed.
