Supercritical fluids can be used for the synthesis of biodiesel. This significantly reduces the reaction time and helps to avoid traditional side effects. VITO has carried out extensive research into this technology and therefore our experts are well placed to advise you.
Reducing reaction time, avoiding side effects
Supercritical methanol is extremely suitable for the synthesis of biodiesel from vegetable oils and animal fats. The high solubility of methanol reduces the reaction time from a few hours to a few minutes. Furthermore no catalyst needed for this process. This prevents traditional side effects like saponification from occurring, which helps to simplify the purification of the biodiesel afterwards. In the supercritical process by products, such as glycerol, are also purer, which therefore renders them more valuable on the market.
Putting the process into practice
How do you put into practice the synthesis of biodiesel using supercritical methanol? VITO experts first investigate your existing methods. They evaluate whether supercritical methanol is technically feasible, and whether the investment will be worthwhile. Thereafter, they will support you during implementation and will closely follow-up the efficiency of the synthesis. They characterise the biodiesel and refine the process where necessary, to ensure an optimum yield.
