Devjyoti Nath

By Devjyoti Nath, Adisorn Aroonwilas and Amornvadee Veawab

This work investigated the role of mass-transfer interfacial area in the biodiesel production using the acid-catalyzed esterification process. The interfacial area between alcohol and oil feedstock was determined by conducting acid-catalyzed esterification experiments using methanol and oleic acid (as free fatty acid) under ranges of five process parameters: reaction temperature (45–65°C), agitation speed (200–400 rpm), methanol-to-oil ratio (3:1–9:1 mol/mol), catalyst concentration (0.5–2.0%), and concentration of free fatty acid (5–30%). Effects of these parameters on the biodiesel conversion rate and the interfacial area were quantified. An empirical correlation for the interfacial area was developed as a function of process parameters. Results show that the enhancement of biodiesel production rate is attributed to reaction kinetics and/or interfacial area. The interfacial area is the sole contributor to the increase in biodiesel production rate due to the increase in methanol-to-oil ratio and agitation speed. Both kinetics and interfacial area contribute to the increase in biodiesel production rate due to the reaction temperature and catalyst concentration. The interfacial area plays negligible role in the change in biodiesel production rate due to the free fatty acid content.

Part of the book: Frontiers in Bioenergy and Biofuels