| Abstrakt: |
Continuous flow biodiesel production using microwaves as a heat source is proposed. Palm oil was converted into methyl ester via transesterification using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a catalyst. Methanol to oil molar ratio and catalyst amount were set at 6:1 and 1%wt, respectively. Influences of microwave power (600 and 800 W), reaction time (1 and 2 min), and initial temperature (60 and 80°C) on yield of biodiesel (methyl ester, ME) were experimentally studied. The experimental results indicated that the longer reaction time led to a higher ME yield while the initial. However, influence of microwave power was not significant. The highest yield (86.31%) was found at microwave power of 800 W, reaction time of 2 min and initial temperature of 60°C. Properties in terms of density, flash point, and cloud point were in the acceptable ranges of biodiesel (methyl ester of fatty acid) standard set by Department of Energy Business, Ministry of Energy, Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
