Continuous production of palm methyl esters

A system for continuous transesterification of palm oil was developed using a continuous stirred‐tank reactor (CSTR) and pumps for continuous delivery of oil and catalyst and for continuous removal of product. Potassium hydroxide was used as the catalyst, the methanol‐to‐oil molar ratio was 6∶1, and reaction temperature was 60°C. The yield of methyl esters increased from 58.8% of theoretical yield at a residence time of 40 min to 97.3% at a residence time of 60 min. However, higher residence times decreased the production rate. During long‐term continuous operation, the CSTR displayed steady state conditions in terms of product profile and methyl ester concentration. This process has good potential in the manufacture of biodiesel.