Numerical simulation of a heterogeneous catalytic batch reactor to produce biodiesel from vegetable oil

Here in the results of simulation of a batch reactor in which the transesterification of triolein is carried out in presence of a heterogenous catalyst. The simulated operation conditions consisted in two levels of temperature (50 and 60 degrees C), concentration of catalyst (0.5 and 1.0 kg/m(3)) and two initial concentrations of intermediaries and final products (at 1 and 10 g), keeping the amount of triolein and methanol at 1 kg and 12 mol of alcohol per mol of triolein. For the most severe conditions and lower amount of intermediaries and product in the feedstock, the final concentration of methyl oleate was 1.45 mol/L. At similar conditions of operation of reactor, the effect of reducing the concentration of catalyst was the factor that affected mainly the production of methyl oleate (1.41 mol/L), followed by the effect of temperature (1.44 mol/L of methyl oleate), while no appreciable effect on biodiesel production was observed by increasing the concentration of intermediaries and products in the feedstock. The developed reactor model predicted accordingly the profiles of viscosity and density which are necessary to the mechanical design of reactor.

Automated summary

This study simulates the transesterification of triolein in a batch reactor with a heterogenous catalyst. The simulation considers different levels of temperature, catalyst concentration, and concentrations of intermediaries and final products. The results show that reducing the catalyst concentration has the most significant effect on the production of methyl oleate, followed by temperature, while increasing the concentration of intermediaries and products has no appreciable effect on biodiesel production. The developed reactor model accurately predicts the viscosity and density profiles relevant to the mechanical design of the reactor.