Process development and simulation of glycerol-free biodiesel from canola oil and dimethyl carbonate

Biodiesel production and consumption are rapidly increasing, since it is renewable, economic and easy-to-make fuel. This thesis work presents new biodiesel process which produces glycerol-free biodiesel from canola oil and dimethyl carbonate. Experimental work is done for selection of catalyst and purification of the product. Also process development and simulation were carried out. The goal of the project was to develop a process by which glycerol-free biodiesel could be produced, while meeting ASTM standards.;This thesis would benefit for application of new biodiesel process in industries, to make glycerol-free biodiesel. The new process has many advantages such as high yield, more quantity of fuel, no significant amount of byproducts, low reaction temperature and pressure, less number of unit operations and less amount of energy utilization.