Single-phase process for production of fatty acid methyl esters from mixtures of triglycerides and fatty acids
First Claim
1. A single liquid phase process for the esterification of a mixture of fatty acids and triglycerides, comprising:
- (a) forming a solution of said fatty acids and triglycerides, an alcohol, an acid catalyst and a cosolvent at a temperature that is less than the boiling point of the solution, said alcohol being selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, and mixtures thereof, and the molar ratio of the alcohol to the triglycerides plus one third of the fatty acids being in the range of 15;
1 to 35;
1, the cosolvent being in an amount to effect formation of a single liquid phase;
(b) maintaining the solution for a period of time to effect acid-catalyzed esterification of the fatty acids;
(c) neutralizing the acid catalyst and adding a base catalyst for the transesterification of the triglycerides; and
(d) after a further period of time, separating esters from said solution.
7 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A process for the esterification of a mixture of fatty acids and triglycerides. The process comprises forming a single phase solution of fatty acids and triglyceride in an alcohol selected from methanol and ethanol, the ratio of said alcohol to triglyceride being 15:1 to 35:1. The solution further comprises a co-solvent in an amount to form the single phase. In a first step, an acid catalyst for the esterification of the fatty acids is added. After a period of time, the acid catalyst is neutralized and a base catalyst for the transesterification of triglycerides is added. After a further period of time, esters are separated from the solution.
58 Citations
23 Claims
-
1. A single liquid phase process for the esterification of a mixture of fatty acids and triglycerides, comprising:
-
(a) forming a solution of said fatty acids and triglycerides, an alcohol, an acid catalyst and a cosolvent at a temperature that is less than the boiling point of the solution, said alcohol being selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, and mixtures thereof, and the molar ratio of the alcohol to the triglycerides plus one third of the fatty acids being in the range of 15;
1 to 35;
1, the cosolvent being in an amount to effect formation of a single liquid phase;
(b) maintaining the solution for a period of time to effect acid-catalyzed esterification of the fatty acids;
(c) neutralizing the acid catalyst and adding a base catalyst for the transesterification of the triglycerides; and
(d) after a further period of time, separating esters from said solution. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
-
Specification