ABSTRACT
In the ongoing study, initial measurements of biodiesel concentration using ultrasounds have been made and there is a clear difference in the propagation velocities as the viscosity of the cooking oil decreases. A detailed study of ultrasound and pH measurements during the reaction will enable to monitor the concentrations and hence the rate of the reactions. Data on reaction rates make it possible to calculate the efficiency of the process as a function of the operating parameters. Modeling of the reaction process is conducted to corroborate experimental data and enable scale-up studies to be carried out. Biodiesel can be produced using a transesterification process whereby a triglyceride vegetable oil is reacted with either methanol or ethanol. The reaction also uses a base catalyst usually sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide to aid the reaction process. Methanol, isopropyl alcohol, potassium hydroxide (KOH), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), distilled water and food grade vegetable oil were used in the conversion process.
