METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CATALYSING A LIQUID PHASE REACTION, AND USE THEREOF FOR CATALYSING ESTERIFICATION OR TRANSESTERIFICATION REACTIONS

摘要

A method and an apparatus for catalysing a liquid phase reaction between at least two reactive species by means of at least one catalysing ion, wherein the catalytic solution is placed in at least one catalytic chamber (13) separated from at least one reaction chamber (10) receiving the reactive species by an ion-exchange membrane (16) which is selective for the catalysing ions so that they are diffused through said membrane towards the reaction chamber, while the other species are prevented from passing therethrough. The catalytic reaction thus occurs under ideal conditions in the absence of the catalytic solution counter-ion. Furthermore, fatty acid esterification reactions using proton H+ or triglyceride transesterification reactions using hydroxyl ion OH- may also be catalysed.