Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is used with vegetable oil and methanol in biodiesel production. It is also known as lye or caustic soda and is a caustic metallic base used in industry, mostly as a strong chemical base in the manufacture of paper, textiles, and detergents.

sodium hydroxide in biodiesel production

sodium hydroxide in biodiesel production

Alternative Fuel Sources - Caustic Soda

Caustic soda is also known as sodium hydroxide or lye. For the making of biofuel, sodium hydroxide is used as a catalyst in the production of biodiesel. This only works with anhydrous sodium hydroxide, because water and lye would turn biodiesel into soap. It is used more often than potassium hydroxide because it costs less, and a smaller quantity is needed for the same results. Another alternative is sodium silicate. AnzacFuelTech ONLY recommends sodium hydroxide.

Working with Caustic Soda and Biodiesel

When making biodiesel, gloves & eye protection should be worn when using sodium hydroxide, since there is a high danger of causing chemical burns, permanent injury or scarring, and blindness.

A PVC apron or splash suit is also recommended when concentrated solutions or the solid form are used. It should be stored well away from strong acids such as battery acid. It can create enough heat to ignite flammables (such as alcohols), so it must be added slowly in biodiesel processors.

Vinegar is a mild acid that will neutralize lye if it were to make contact with the skin

The most important thing to remember is that this is a dangerous chemical that MUST ALWAYS BE HANDLED WITH CARE.

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