Monitoring biodiesel production (transesterification) using in situ viscometer

Biodiesel, an alternative diesel fuel made from renewable sources, is produced by the transesterification of oil or fat with alcohol. In order to monitor the progress of this reaction, in situ viscosity measurements were taken using an acoustic wave solid state viscometer. This novel concept is reported from the proof-of-concept stage to a pilot plant installation. The viscometer was able to monitor the reaction until the end-point was reached, and could therefore be adapted in the future for process control in a batch transesterification reactor for biodiesel production.