Studies on transesterification of triglycerides using ion exchange resin catalysts

Abstract

In this thesis, studies on batch transesterification of indigenously available pongamia oil and cotton seed oil using methanol in the presence of anion exchange resin Indion 810 is reported. The effects of process variables have been investigated. Optimization of operating parameters and estimation of kinetic parameters like rate constant and activation energy are reported. A mathematical model has been developed and tested. The operating characterisitics of the esters produced are compared with that commercially available diesel oil. The operating characteristics of the biodiesel are compared with the commercially available diesel fuels.