User talk:Stainless316/Sandbox3

An alternative, catalyst free method for transesterification uses supercritical methanol at high temperatures and pressures in a continuous process. In the supercritical state, the oil and methanol are in a singe phase, and reaction occurs spontaneously and rapidly. The process can tolerate water in the feedstock, free fatty acids are converted to methyl esters instead of soap, and the catalyst removal step is eliminated. The high temperatures and pressures required add to the capital cost of the plant, but energy costs of production are similar or slightly less than catalytic production routes.