The quality of the raw material prior to transesterification is very important; results can be used to calculate the quantity of Hydroxide base to be consumed in the process and to protect from adverse effects on the quality of the biodiesel. The three parameters tested here will be:

• Free Fatty Acid
• Water
• Total contaminants

Testing the raw material is absolutely vital to biodiesel producers when changing supplier of the waste oil or if problems are occurring during the process with the end product not reaching sufficient standards.