Application of Microchannel Reactors for Biodiesel Production

Recently, due to the depletion of hydrocarbon fuel reserves against the background of high rates of decline in their reserves, considerable attention has been paid to the development of effective methods for synthesizing biofuels and biodiesel fuels, including from renewable sources of raw materials. However, a high cost price of biodiesel production requires the development of new technological approaches. Therefore, the direction of using microchannel (microfluidic) technologies for the synthesis of biodiesel fuel has begun to actively develop in chemistry and chemical technology. The use of microchannel (MC) reactors facilitates the intensification and safety of chemical processes, resulting in economic and environmental benefits for the chemical industry. The miniature dimensions of MC reactors allow for savings in materials during their manufacture, as well as resources during operation. Increased heat and mass transfer values in MC reactors contribute to a significant increase in the productivity of installations, exceeding the productivity of classical reactors in industry by 1–2 orders of magnitude. This review analyzes literature data for 2020–2024 devoted to the application of microchannel technologies for the synthesis of biodiesel fuel. Particular attention is paid to the advantages and disadvantages of MC reactors, as well as the main trends in their development.