Optimization of recovery and quality of second generation bio diesel fuel produced from palm acid oil by composite base metal catalysts supported on particulate silica gel.

Abstract

The main purpose of this research is to convert palm acid oil (PAO) into high quality 2nd generation biodiesel fuel (2ndgen.BDF). In this study, we aim to promote decarboxylation (DCX), decarbonylation (DCN), hydrodeoxygenation (HDO), and catalytic cracking (CC) reactions under low pressure using a fixed bed reactor and a batch reactor. In order to proceed with the desired reaction smoothly, some inexpensive composite base metal catalysts supported on silica gel (SiO2) particles were used. Experiments conducted under atmospheric pressure using a fixed bed reactor showed that the recovery of 2ndgen.BDF was up to 50-60% and the acid number was reduced by 94%. In addition, saturated hydrocarbons of C10-C17 are generated in the main components. On the other hand, experiments with a batch reactor at an initial pressure of 0.1 MPa resulted in up to 93% recovery of 2ndgen.BDF and up to 72% reduction in acid value (AV). C15 and C17 saturated hydrocarbons were found to be the main products, indicating a selective reaction.