The transesterification process is to combine the oil (usually vegetable oil) with a light alcohol, usually methanol, and leaves a residue of value added propanotriol (glycerin) that can be used by the cosmetic industry, among others. Industrial processes
Currently there are various industrial processes by which they can produce biodiesel. The most important are:
1. Base-base process, whereby a catalyst is used as a hydroxide. This hydroxide can be sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) or potassium hydroxide (caustic potash).
2. Acid-base process. This process involves first making an acid esterification and then follow the normal (base-base), is generally used for oils with high levels of acidity.
3. Supercritical processes. In this process no longer required the presence of a catalyst, simply become a high pressure in the oil and alcohol react without an outside agency such as the hydroxide, acting on the reaction.
4. Enzymatic processes. Are currently investigating some enzymes that can serve as accelerators of the oil-alcohol reaction. This process is not used at present due to its high cost, which prevents the biodiesel produced in large quantities.
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