Biodiesel synthesis from Jatropha curcas L. oil and ethanol in a continuous centrifugal contactor separator

The synthesis of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) from Jatropha curcas L. oil was studied in a batch reactor and a continuous centrifugal contactor separator (CCCS) using sodium ethoxide as the catalyst. The effect of relevant process variables like rotational speed, temperature, catalyst concentration, and molar ratio of ethanol to oil was investigated. Maximum yield of FAEE was 98?mol% for both the batch (70 degrees C, 600?rpm, 0.8% w/w of sodium ethoxide) and CCCS reactor configuration (60 degrees C, 2100?rpm, 1% w/w of sodium ethoxide, oil feed 28?mL/min). The volumetric production rate of FAEE in the CCCS at optimum conditions was 112?kgFAEE/m3liquid?.?min. Practical applications: The Jatropha curcas L. shrub produces a non-edible oil in yields up to 1.5?ton/(ha.?y), which is known to be suitable for biodiesel synthesis. We here report an experimental study on the synthesis of jatropha biodiesel using ethanol instead of methanol as the alcohol source. Ethanol is accessible from biomass by fermentation and as such a green alternative for methanol. In addition, it is more readily available in developing countries than methanol. Biodiesel synthesis was performed in a CSSS, a continuous device that integrates reaction and separation. The device has potential to be applied in small scale mobile biodiesel technology due to its compact size, robustness, flexibility in operation, and high volumetric productivities.