Abstract
This work proposes a novel biodiesel process based on a reactive dividing-wall column (R-DWC) that allows the use of only ∼15% excess of methanol to completely convert the fatty acids feedstock. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) are produced as pure bottom product, water as side stream, while the methanol excess is recovered as top distillate and recycled. The optimal configuration was established by using simulated annealing (SA) as optimization method implemented in Mathworks Matlab, and coupled via Microsoft Excel with rigorous simulations carried out in AspenTech Aspen Plus. The generated improved design alternatives allow a fortune to be saved by having lower investment costs and up to 25% energy savings, while also ensuring a smaller plant footprint.
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