Optimization Study On Novel Continuous Flow Biodiesel Reactor / Separator, Varying Feedstock, Temperature, Residence Time, and Orientation

The following study looks to optimize the performance of a recently patented novel continuous flow biodiesel reactor / separator with no moving parts. The reactor, developed at the University of Connecticut, ideally achieves a high conversion of triglycerides from a variety of waste cooking oils to biodiesel while simultaneously separating co-product glycerol. Waste cooking oils and methoxide (anhydrous potassium hydroxide dissolved in methanol) are continuously pumped into the reactor, and travel through the reactor in a laminar / creeping flow. Glycerol droplets form, coalesce, and drop to the bottom of the reactor where they are continuously drawn off, while at the top of the reactor 99% by weight biodiesel is drawn off at steady state. Several operating conditions are investigated in this multi-phase system. Varying feedstocks, temperatures, residence times, and orientations (angles) were studied to ascertain optimal reactor running conditions. Performance was assessed by computing conversion of vegetable oil triglycerides to biodiesel as well as subsequent separation of the co-product glycerol stream.