From Dave Elliott (Dave UK): Acid catalysis
FFA can probably be acid catalysed. I've not tried this, but the basic recipe has been looked at by an analytical chemist who thinks it should work. Acid catalysis is a water tolerant process. Use 10% methanol mixed with 2% to 3% concentrated sulphuric acid (or double that of 50% acid). Mix with the oil and stir regularly for at least 24 hours. Then leave to settle. Conversion rate is often poor (like 50%), but it is using a material that otherwise can't be made into biodiesel. Ester should rise to the top of tank. It may work with less nasty acids, but we have to begin somewhere. Acetic and citric may be too weak. Phosphoric may be OK. Nice if someone gave it a try. An alternative to this: Dealing with high levels of Free Fatty Acids (FFA): first stage alkaline reaction, second stage acid-based reaction -- "Cost Reduction in Bio-Diesel Production", B. Rice, A. Fršhlich and R. Leonard, Crops Research Centre, Oak Park, Carlow, Ireland. http://www.teagasc.ie/research/reports/crops/4321/eopr-4321.htm Keith Addison Journey to Forever Handmade Projects Tokyo http://journeytoforever.org/ -------------------------- eGroups Sponsor -------------------------~-~> eLerts It's Easy. It's Fun. Best of All, it's Free! http://click.egroups.com/1/9699/0/_/837408/_/976045374/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------_-> Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html To unsubscribe, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
