Simulation Model for Biodiesel Production using Non-isothermal (CSTR) Mode: Membrane Reactor

Abstract

The immisicibility of vegetable oil in methanol provides a mass transfer challenge in the early stages of trans-esterification reaction in the production of biodiesel. A mathematical model capable of predicting the performance and behaviour of a membrane reactor operated in CSTR mode has been developed. The model utilized the mass balance of a typical multiphase reactor which accounted for the mass transfer rate term to generate the performance equation. Predicted concentration of species, yield and conversion of the membrane reactor were higher compared to that of conventional CSTR as shown in Table 1. The effect of temperature on yield, and conversion was also considered. The temperature at 40^o C exhibited the highest yield and conversion of methyl ester compared to 25 ^oC and 60 ^o C

Keywords: biodiesel, mass transfer limitation, membrane reactor, modeling, vegetable oil