 |
|
Thanks to Graydon Blair for the photoshop work
|
KOH, NaOH and Sulfuric Acid are extremely corrosive.
USE THEM WISELY.
KOH (Potassium Hydroxide) and NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide are the two catalysts we use for the transesterification phase of bio diesel processing. It is extremely important that they be fresh and dry. Water is our worst enemy and will cause a moderate to severe underreaction of the process, depending on the amount of moisture present.
Sulfuric Acid, also known as sulphuric acid and Oil of Vitriol is the most widely distributed chemical in the world. This is not battery acid, it is full strength acid, 98% pure. Used in the biodiesel making process to lower FFA's (Free Fatty Acids) in used restaurant fryer oil prior to transesterification with a base catalyst.
Phenolphthalein 1% solution in 91% isopropanol is used as a PH indicator in the titration performed on the oil to arrive at the amounts of catalyst to use for processing. If too small an amount of chemical is used the process is not pushed to completion, leaving the oil underreacted. If too much is usedexcess soaps are formed and need to be dealt with in the wash phase.
