Improved biodiesel production using microwave irradiation

Cooperative global efforts are held to confront climate change threats by measures aiming at the stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Biodiesel is a renewable, energy efficient, substitution fuel which reduces net carbon dioxide emissions. By running on biodiesel, vehicles can help reduce GHGs and polluting emissions even more, without impairing their performance or reducing their energy efficiency. Biodiesel production is worthy of continued study and optimization of production procedures due to its environmentally beneficial attributes and renewable nature. While the transesterification process for production of biodiesel is well established, there remain considerable inefficiencies in existing transesterification processes. Application of radio frequency microwave energy offers a fast, easy route to this valuable biofuel with advantages of enhancing the reaction rate and improving the separation process. The methodology allows for the use of high FFA content feedstock, including used cooking oil; hence it helps to reduce the cost of production which constitutes a major hurdle towards widespread commercialization of biodiesel.