A design algorithm for batch stirred tank transesterification reactors

作者：Anyanwu C N^*; Mbajiorgu C C; Oparaku O U; Odigboh E U; Emmanuel U N

来源：Energy Conversion and Management, 2012, 62: 40-46.

DOI：10.1016/j.enconman.2012.03.027

• Biodiesel
• Computer software
• Reactor
• Vegetable oil
• Design
• CI engine

A 50 L per batch, stirred tank reactor, suitable for carrying out transesterification of vegetable oils was designed and constructed. The major design assumptions included stainless steel plate thickness of 2 mm, reaction temperature of 60-65 degrees C and an initial/final fluid temperature of 25/70 degrees C. The calculated impeller Reynolds number was in the mixed regime zone of 10-10(4); the power number was varied between 1 and 5, while a typical propeller speed of 22.5 rev/s (or 1350 rev/min) was adopted. The limiting design conditions were maximum reactor diameter of 1.80 m, straight side height-to-diameter ratio in the range of 0.75-1.5 and minimum agitator motor power of 746 W (1 Hp). Based upon the design, a simple algorithm was developed and interpreted into Microsoft C Sharp computer programming language to enable scale up of the reactor. Performance testing of the realized reactor was carried out while using it to produce Neem oil biodiesel via base - catalyzed methanolysis, which yielded high quality fuel product.

• 出版日期2012-10