Phanida Wanking.. Biodiesel production and kinetics mechanism study for single-mode microwave reactor. Master's Degree(Chemical and Process Engineering (International Program)). King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok. Central Library. : King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, 2018.
Biodiesel production and kinetics mechanism study for single-mode microwave reactor
Abstract:
In the previous study of biodiesel production via homogeneous alkaline catalyzed
transesterification of refined palm stearin (RPS) with methanol by using the multi-mode
microwave with a mechanical stirrer as a heating source, the optimal condition was at the molar
ratio of methanol to RPS of 6:1 and the sodium hydroxide (NaOH) catalyst of 0.5 wt% at a
fixed stirrer speed of 600 rpm. Experimental results showed that the radiation time via using
the microwave heating was much shorter in comparing with the conventional heating method.
However, the efficiency of microwave heating can be improved by redesigning the radiation
mode to be more focused in one heating zone as called single-mode microwave heating.
Therefore, the effect of the single-mode microwave heating was investigated in this study and
kinetic parameters for the three-step reaction mechanism were determined at the same optimal
condition. To compatible with the industrial operation, the base catalyst was changed to the
sodium methylate (CH3ONa) catalyst of 2.16 wt%. Concentration profiles of free glycerol,
mono-, di-, triglyceride, methanol and biodiesel were obtained varying the radiation times from
50 s to 600 s and the reaction temperatures from 55℃ to 65℃. The biodiesel conversion of
78.91% and biodiesel purity of 90.95% without water wash were achieved at 60℃ and the
radiation time of 400 s.
King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok. Central Library