Geometric characterization of a Shockwave Power Reactor (SPR) for biodiesel production

Abstract

This paper presents the geometric characterization of a Shockwave Power Reactor, and its influence on the intensification of the transesterification reaction to obtain biodiesel. Some geometric parameters were studied, such as the depth and distribution of the rotor holes, and the distance between the rotor and the stator. Furthermore, the influence of the rotation speed, the molar ratio of methanol to oil, and the type and percentage of catalyst on the yield and reaction time were also studied. Three experimental designs were proposed. From the first two designs, the best geometric characteristics were obtained: a rectangular distribution, a hole depth of 17 mm, and a rotor-stator distance of 3 mm, with NaOH as the best catalyst. On the other hand, the molar ratio of methanol to oil and the rotation speed of the reactor were optimized in the third experimental design. The higher yields were obtained with a moderate rotation speed (2,000 rpm) and a high molar ratio (10:1), and with a high rotation speed (3,415 rpm) and a moderate molar ratio (6.5:1). The results show that hydrodynamic cavitation is an excellent alternative for the production of good quality biodiesel in a shorter time with a reduction in energy consumption.