This report presents the analysis of various methods for monitoring the reaction kinetics of Helianthus annuus transesterification to produce biodiesel, and proposes the use of reduction potential as a novel technique for reaction analysis. Multiple experimental trials have demonstrated the correlation of reduction potential to established kinetic models. These results support the potential application of this technique in both industry and education, providing an efficient and cost-effective method of determining biodiesel quality and reaction extent.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Boyd, Donal James
• Snell, Jared Richard
• Brutvan, Lucas J
• Medeiros, Nicholas

Contributors

• Kumar, Uma

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-031112-162536

Advisor

• Clark, William M.

Year

• 2012

Date created

• 2012-03-11

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright