Production and kinetic transesterification of biodiesel from yellow grease with dimethyl carbonate using methanesulfonic acid as a catalyst

The production of biodiesel from yellow grease containing a low level of free fatty acids was investigated in this study. The kinetic transesterification of a molar ratio of (1:5) yellow grease to dimethyl carbonate was investigated. The experiments were conducted under various kinetic parameters, such as the use of a CH 4 O 3 S catalyst, and the effect of the reaction temperature (70°C), time (45 min) and stirring rate (125 rpm) were studied to determine the best possible kinetic conditions. A maximum yellow grease biodiesel yield of 94% was obtained. The properties of the biodiesel, such as the kinematic viscosity at 40°C, specific gravity at 25°C, flash point, pour point, cloud point, and copper strip corrosion level, were tested and found to conform to the biodiesel quality standards ASTM D6751 – 02. This research will provide a highly efficient, cost‐effective, eco‐friendly, and simplified process for one‐step biodiesel production from yellow grease. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 802–807, 2017