Abstract: The project examined the optimization, design, and automation of small-scale production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil (WCO). It covered optimization proceedings (feedstock pretreatment and conditioning) that were aimed at ensuring maximum biodiesel yield from the WCO with fewer non-desired by-products such as glycerin through the esterification reaction reactions using sulphuric acid.
It is noteworthy that the design generated can be used on different feedstocks. (With high Free Fatty Acids [FFA] and those without FFA). Pretreatment can be run concurrently with the Alkali catalyzed process or the processes independently of each other.
Being a small-scale production, some recovery units such as the catalyst recovery unit were not employed given the economic infeasibility.
The main transesterification reaction under implementation was the alkali-catalyzed process owing to its easily attainable reaction conditions and reaction time in contrast with the supercritical method and acid-catalyzed method whose major downfalls are extreme reaction conditions and longer reaction times respectively.
The use of simulation program DWSIM version 8.3.5 (Classic UI, 64-bits) was employed to develop the process plant’s design. The simulation was carried out at different FFA levels using a similar model developed in all cases.
The data generated from the simulation was analyzed using MATLAB version R2022b and graphs describing relationships were generated.
Finally, the automation of the process with aid of valves, a heater and heat exchangers.
Keywords: optimization, design, automation, and simulation.
Title: OPTIMISATION, DESIGN, AND AUTOMATION OF A SMALL-SCALE BIO-DIESEL PRODUCTION PLANT
Author: Kitimbo Mercy, Kamua Simon, Pacoto Livingstone
International Journal of Thesis Projects and Dissertations (IJTPD)
Vol. 11, Issue 3, July 2023 - September 2023
Page No: 1-26
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published date: 05-August-2023
