Simulation and Optimization of Biodiesel Production by Soybean Oil Transesterification in Non-Ideal Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactor

Abstract

This research examines the transesterification reaction of soybean oil with methanol in order to model and simulate a non-ideal continuous stirred-tank reactor. A mathematical model has been developed for the reactor. The biodiesel production process was optimized by application of factorial design 25 and response surface methodology. Factorial design and response surface analysis were combined with modeling and simulation to determine the operating conditions that maximize biodiesel production and minimize reactor volume. The optimum results obtained were conversion (0.95), molar ratio alcohol/oil (6:1), temperature (60.5 oC), ? (0.75), bypass (0.10) and reactor volume (1,500 L).