Selective catalytic hydrogenation of triglycerides: Activity and selectivity towards C18:1

Aim of this research is the implementation of a batch lab scale plant for the hydrogenation of vegetable oils. In this preliminary paper, we report the results obtained in the hydrogenation reaction of rapeseed oil carried out with a well-known Pd-based catalyst (Lindlar catalyst) to evaluate the best process conditions. Tests are performed in a batch reactor at two different levels of temperature (60 °C and 180 °C) and pressure (0.4 MPa and 1.2 MPa), a medium point at 120 °C and 0.8 MPa is taken into account in order to estimate the best operative conditions. Best results were observed during the first 1.5 hours of the test carried out at high temperature and low pressure conditions; a relatively high amount of oleic acid is obtained. However, an uncompleted conversion of dienes and trienes compounds has been observed. After 6h the oleic acid reacts producing trans-isomers and stearic acid undesired hydrogenation by-products.