Process Intensification for Biodiesel Production

Abstract

India has set a net zero emission goal by 2070 and as India s growth unfolds and the need for energy is going to rise dramatically, not only in country but across the globe. Biodiesel is one of the strongest competitors in the race of renewable energy especially, as the alternative fuels, for sufficing the energy needs globally. In parallel research, process intensification techniques have been identified as the best suited methodology for energy savings, environment-friendly and cost savings. In this research work we have addressed the issues associated with biodiesel manufacturing like wastewater generation and energy consumption in conventional biodiesel manufacturing, longer reaction times, separation of catalysts and alcohol used, production inefficiencies due to raw material variance and likewise. Moreover, we have used Reactive Dividing Wall Distillation Column, modified for ease of fabrication and operation, working under batch and/or semi batch conditions, for successful conversion of non-edible oils such as neem oil into biodiesel using simultaneous dual step esterification and trans-esterification reactions with homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, further purified by simple settling to achieve desired standards of biodiesel. The project begins with design of RDWC which includes identification of reaction kinetics computed in MS Excel 365 , VLE/VLLE property determination using ASPEN Property Toolbox and column design in both MATLAB and ASPEN . The equipment was fabricated as an assembly of laboratory scale borosilicate glassware, in association with the accessories such as submersible pumps, tubes, motor with shaft for agitation and heating mantle. Next, ASPEN based simulations were done on individual fatty acids present in the neem oil for transesterification reactions and property determinations. Further, experiments were conducted on the fabricated equipment, wherein, oil: molar ratio, presence of alkali, catalyst loading, and catalyst type were chosen as varying parameters, under the atm