(583ce) Catalytic Hydrogenation Palm Oil

The production of fatty alcohols by the hydrogenation of Palm oil was carried out using Cu/γ Al₂O₃ and Ni/γ Al₂O₃ supported catalysts prepared by impregnation method under two different temperature and pressure conditions, in a semi batch reactor. The impregnation time in the catalyst preparation was 5 minutes obtained a uniform distribution of the active components, and the amount of metals on the support was determined by atomic absorption. The impregnated supports were calcinated at 500 C for 5 hours. After this the catalysts were reduced using a continuous flow of hydrogen.

An experimental design was used for the reactions tests. The reactions were evaluated at two values of pressure 101.3 and 202.6 kPa and at two temperatures 180 C and 250 C. the reaction products were measure by gas chromatography. With these results and the experimental design a response surface was generated.   

A textural characterization (area BET, pore volume, and SEM) of the catalysts were carried out before and after the reaction