Synthesis of Reactor Networks for Methyl Ester Production

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to determine the reactor configurations for biodiesel production through attainable region method. The systematic design method is practically used for determining reactor configurations that will produce the optimal product. Kinetic model for biodiesel production was developed for Plug-Flow Reactor, PFR and Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactor, CSTR. The model was solved in MATLAB and subsequently applied in the attainable region method to determine the reactor structure of two different biodiesel feedstock; waste sunflower oil and rapeseed oil. The results indicate that a CSTR is an optimal reactor with maximum conversion of triglyceride.