Ultrasound-assisted production of biodiesel FAME from rapeseed oil in a novel two-compartment reactor

Ultrasonication has been proposed as a promising technique for enzymatic transesterification. In contrast, excess ultrasonication causes an enzyme inactivation. This paper presents enzymatic transesterification to produce fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) from rapeseed oil using Callera Trans L™ using a an original two-compartment reactor. The reactor was composed of a mechanically stirred compartment (ST) and ultrasound irradiation compartment (US). The reaction solution was recirculated between the ST and the US. The enzyme was only exposed by ultrasonication in the US. The reactor system has the option to control the direct irradiation period of ultrasonication to soluble enzyme, regulated by the mean residence time in the US.