Development of the mini scale biodiesel reactors

Abstract

Two different mechanically agitated reactor vessels in mini scale size have been developed and fabricated to produce biodiesel . Esterification and transeterification routes have been chosen as the production process. Both refined bleached deodorized (cooking oil) and used cooking oil have been tested for the reliability of the reactor vessels. This paper will describe the engineering design for the reactor vessel development beginning at the stoichiometric equations for the production process and the thermal energy balance to the detail engineering including the equipment selection and fabrication in order to meet the design and objective specifications.