ABSTRACT
166Use of advanced microwave technology for organic synthesis offers a number of advantages over conventional methods, such as reduced reaction and processing times, lower oil/solvent ratio, enhanced product selectivity, reduced catalyst consumption, and increased overall process efficiency. Microwave heating enhances the rate of reaction and energy efficiency by intensifying the rate of mass and heat transfer during extraction and transesterification. This chapter discusses the application of advanced microwave technology for biodiesel production through transesterification reaction. The chapter gives an overview of microwave theory and dielectric heating mechanism for biodiesel synthesis. The effect of various process parameters on the yield and quality of biodiesel are discussed with an emphasis on microwave reactor designs, from batch to continuous scale and pilot scale biodiesel production. Advances in the field pertaining to process optimization and numerical modeling are also briefly discussed with an overview of biodiesel production microalgae and in situ transesterification. Advantages of microwave heating over conventional heating are discussed along with energy efficiency and effect of microwave irradiation on the reaction kinetics.
