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The increasing global demand for renewable energy has been accompanied by extensive research into biodiesel production from vegetable oils through continuous flow methodologies, due to the superior efficiency, safety, and scalability offered compared to conventional batch processes. In this study, the synthesis of biodiesel from various oil sources—such as palm, soybean, jatropha, canola, sunflower, rapeseed, and cottonseed—was investigated using a broad range of reactor types, including microtube, bubble column, fixed-bed, membrane, slit-channel, vortex, and reactive distillation systems.
The conversion efficiencies, reaction conditions, and catalyst performances were compared under varying operational parameters and technologies. Experiments were conducted using both catalytic and non-catalytic approaches, in which acid, base, and enzyme catalysts were utilized, as well as supercritical conditions without catalysts.
High biodiesel yields—up to 99.9%—were achieved through the use of continuous flow reactors, particularly when enhanced by microwave irradiation, ultrasound, or co-solvent assistance. These conditions also enabled significant reductions in reaction times and energy consumption. The critical roles played by flow dynamics, temperature control, reactor configuration, and catalyst selection in the optimization of biodiesel production were demonstrated.
It was concluded that the integration of continuous flow technologies presents a viable approach for the industrial-scale and sustainable synthesis of biodiesel. Through the efficient valorization of renewable resources, such integration contributes to energy security and environmental preservation.
- Carlucci, C
- Jiménez-Ramirez, A
