Higher fatty acid methyl esters are produced from vegetable oil so as an environment-friendly product they are helpful in reducing the global emission of carbon dioxide. Fatty acid methyl esters are created by means of chemical reaction called transesterification.
Transesterification is a reaction where triacylglycerols particles react with alcohol with the usage of a catalyst (eg. KOH, NaOH, NaOCH3, etc.). The products of reaction are fatty acid esters and glycerin.
Methyl esters are used as a biocomponent of fuel oil.
In comparison with the traditional fuel it can be characterized by following advantages:
- very low sulphur content
- completely biodegradable
- energy value comparable with fuel oil
- it significantly lowers the emission of particles and hydrocarbons
- higher ignition temperature than fuel oil
- better lubricating characteristics
Raw glycerin is a by-product of methyl esters production. In its refined form is a thick, oily, sweet-tasting liquid, easily soluble in water and in alcohol, insoluble in ether and in chloroform. It has many applications.
Most common usage of raw glycerin:
- Further refining to refined glycerin
- In the process of biogas production
- Combustion
- Production of resins
- Production of building materials
- Production of plastic
