| abstract |
Esterification and transesterification of fats and oils is conducted using one or more heterogeneous solid catalysts in the presence of an alcohol and a cosolvent. In one example, esterification of free fatty acids in fats and oils feedstock is conducted by contacting the feedstock with a solid catalyst having acidic groups. Transesterification of triglycerides in the feedstock is conducted by contacting the feedstock with a solid catalyst having basic groups. Single train continuous plant designs are described for near complete conversion of fats and oils by sequentially contacting the feedstock with heterogeneous acidic solid catalyst and basic solid catalyst. |