Ultrasound Assisted Process for Producing Biodiesel from Soybean Oil

In this investigation the synthesis of biodiesel from Soybean oil by assistance of low frequency ultrasound waves (24 kHz) was studied. The influence of different parameters on reaction progress was studied and was compared with the traditional method. The results showed that using ultrasonic waves could produce biodiesel with 98% conversion in methanol/oil molar ratio of 6:1 and 0.5 wt. % catalysts in reaction mixture, and 10 minutes reaction time at temperature 25°C. The results showed the significant decrease in reaction time and temperature in compare with traditional method. A continuous system was made by assistance of ultrasonic waves to produce biodiesel with high conversion in a reduced condition of time and temperature in atmospheric pressure. The physical factors, engine performance and exhaust emissions was also studied.