Selectivity concept is essential in establishing the best operating conditions for attaining maximum production of the desired\nproduct. For complex reaction such as biodiesel fuel synthesis, kinetic studies of transesterification reaction have revealed the\nmechanism of the reaction and rate constants.Theobjectives of this research are to develop the kinetic parameters for determination\nof methyl esters and glycerol selectivity, evaluate the significance of the reverse reaction in transesterification reaction, and examine\nthe influence of reaction characteristics (reaction temperature,methanol to oilmolar ratio, and the amount of catalyst) on selectivity.\nFor this study, published reaction rate constants of transesterification reaction were used to develop mathematical expressions for\nselectivities. In order to examine the base case and reversible transesterification, two calculation schemes (Case 1 and Case 2) were\nestablished. An enhanced selectivity was found in the base case of transesterification reaction.The selectivity was greatly improved\nat optimum reaction temperature (60?C), molar ratio (9 : 1), catalyst concentration (1.5 wt.%), and low free fatty acid feedstock.\nFurther research might explore the application of selectivity for specifying reactor configurations.
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