Biodiesel production from different methods

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Raslan, Alenezi (2010). Biodiesel production from different methods. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Hydrolysis, esterification and transesterification reactions were conducted in different reactor configurations, with the overall objective of enhancing the fundamental knowledge of Free Fatty acids (FFA) and biodiesel production, while providing key processing parameters and kinetic models for process design.
Hydrolysis and esterification reactions were conducted in a non-catalytic continuous flow reactor, esterification reactions in a stirred batch reactor and transesterification reactions in a state-of-the-art Downflow Gas contactor Reactor (DGCR). The DGCR was operated in batch mode with a recycle loop. All samples were collected as a function of time and the concentrations of FFA and Fatty Acid Methyl/Ethyl Esters (FAME/FAEE) were determined, using gas chromatography for FFA and FAME/FAEE and titration for FFA. Tested processing variables for each reaction were varied according to the reaction objectives and reactor limits. Extensive kinetic models for continuous flow and batch reactions were performed and rate constants were established.
FFA are an important intermediate for several industrial applications. Non-catalytic continuous flow hydrolysis with the aid of subcritical water produced high quality FFA with a maximum yield of 92 % at 350 \(^0\)C, 20 MPa and 50:50 water oil volume ratio. Temperature, time and water/oil initial ratio were found to be significant factors in the hydrolysis reactions. However, pressure had a minor influence.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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