Design and construction of a single orifice oscillatory flow reactor for the continuous production of biodiesel from sunflower oil

Abstract

Biodiesel, a renewable energy replacing fossil fuels, exhibits eco-friendly traits with beneficial lubrication properties. This research aims to design and construct a single-orifice oscillatory flow reactor to reduce the reaction time, improve the mixing process, and increase efficiency. The response surface method was used for the analysis of independent parameters like molar ratio (1:6–1:12), temperature (30–50 °C), reactor length (1–3 m), and catalyst concentration (0.75%-1.25%) on yield as the dependent variable. Elevated temperature up to 50 °C enhances conversion from 61.91% to 69.51%, peaking at 65.43% by 60 °C, adjusting the molar ratio to 1:9 boosts biodiesel conversion from 58.70% to 69.51%, dropping by 4% at 1:12 ratio. Catalyst concentration at 1% heightens conversion from 48.82% to 69.51%, but at 1.25%, it falls to 57.26%. Increasing reactor length to 2 m yields a 20% boost, while at 3 m, conversion drops by 4%. Optimal conditions, at 40 °C, 1:9 ratio, 1% catalyst, and 3 m reactor, resulted in a 91.98% conversion percentage. Experimental verification at the suggested point yields an 89% conversion, aligning acceptably with the model’s prediction. Biodiesel meets EN 14214 standards, positioning it as a viable diesel fuel alternative.