Design and performance test of biodiesel reactor using hellical screw agitator and baffles

Abstract

Biodiesel reactor model using hellical screw agitator and baffles have been designed. The hellical screw type is chosen based on the agitation ability on viscous liquid with low energy, while baffles is purposed to generate homogeneous mixing. The objectives of the research was to obtained biodiesel reactor model and determined the best operation of reactor in producing biodiesel. Performance test of biodiesel reactor was done at 10 rotation speed levels of agitator, at range of 100 rpm until 1000 rpm. Biodiesel was produced by catalytical method, with 1.5 % w/w KOH catalyst at temperature ranging from 60 °C to 65 °C, for 60 minutes. The research obtained the model of cylindrical biodiesel reactor with the height of 300 mm and 168 mm diameter. The helical screw agitator has 4 screws and is equipped 4 baffles installed at the reactor wall. Based on the saponification value analysis, the biodiesel contained 99 % w/w methyl ester. The best operation of biodiesel production is resulted at 100 rpm which fulfil the quality standard of biodiesel and has the lowest energy consumption.