Abstract
To date, to simulate biodiesel production, kinetic models from different authors have been provided, each one usually applied to the use of a specific vegetable oil and experimental conditions. Models, which may include esterification, besides transesterification simulation, were validated with their own experimental conditions and raw material. Moreover, information about the intermediate reaction steps, besides catalyst concentration variation, is either rare or nonexistent. Here, in this work, a universal mathematical model comprising the chemical kinetics of a two-step (esterification and transesterification) vegetable oil-based biodiesel reaction is proposed. The proposed model is universal, as it may simulate any vegetable oil biodiesel reaction from the literature. For this purpose, a mathematical model using the software MATLAB has been designed. Using the mathematical model, the estimation of mass variation with time, of both reactants and products, as well as glyceride conversion and homogeneous catalyst concentration variation (instead of only alcohol/catalyst solution) are allowed. Moreover, analysis of the influence of some important variables affecting the reaction kinetics of biodiesel production (e.g., catalyst concentration), along with comparison and model validation with data from different authors may be carried out. In addition, Supplementary material with a collection of 290 rate constants, derived from 55 different experiments using different vegetable oils and conditions is provided.
Highlights
In the global effort to generate non-contaminant renewable fuels, biofuels comprising biodiesel, bioethanol, biobutanol and biogas, among others, play a significant role
A kinetic model based on reaction stoichiometry is proposed
A set of experimental data from different authors corresponding to rate constants, depending on experimental conditions were studied
Summary
In the global effort to generate non-contaminant renewable fuels, biofuels comprising biodiesel, bioethanol, biobutanol and biogas, among others, play a significant role. Biodiesel is a green fuel that can be used in diesel engines instead of fossil fuels. It is mainly produced through transesterification of vegetable oils/fats or animal fats, including further purification steps. Biodiesel is used in diesel engines as a substitute for diesel fuel, straight or mixed with diesel fuel. It is well known that, during the process of combustion, biodiesel exhaust emissions, including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulates, are lower than those of diesel fuel, providing zero emissions of sulfur, lead and other heavy metals, besides the added advantage of its powerful lubricating properties [4]
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