Production and kinetic transesterification of biodiesel from yellow grease with dimethyl carbonate using methanesulfonic acid as a catalyst

The production of biodiesel from yellow grease containing a low level of free fatty acids was investigated in this study. The kinetic transesterification of a molar ratio of (1:5) yellow grease to dimethyl carbonate was investigated. The experiments were conducted under various kinetic parameters, such as the use of a CH4O3S catalyst, and the effect of the reaction temperature (70 degrees C), time (45 min) and stirring rate (125 rpm) were studied to determine the best possible kinetic conditions. A maximum yellow grease biodiesel yield of 94% was obtained. The properties of the biodiesel, such as the kinematic viscosity at 40 degrees C, specific gravity at 25 degrees C, flash point, pour point, cloud point, and copper strip corrosion level, were tested and found to conform to the biodiesel quality standards ASTM D6751 - 02. This research will provide a highly efficient, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and simplified process for one-step biodiesel production from yellow grease. (c) 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 802-807, 2017