An effective modular process for biodiesel manufacturing using heterogeneous catalysis. Issue 15 (13th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dimian, Alexandre C.; Rothenberg, Gadi
• Is Part Of: Catalysis science & technology. Volume 6:Issue 15(2016)
• Page Start: 6097
• Page End: 6108
• Publication Date: 2016-05-13
• Subjects: Catalysis -- Periodicals; 541.395
• DOI: 10.1039/c6cy00426a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-4753

Abstract

Abstract : We present an innovative reaction set-up and process for biodiesel manufacturing by heterogeneous catalysis. Abstract : We present an innovative reaction set-up and process for biodiesel manufacturing by heterogeneous catalysis. This process has two key advantages over the state-of-the-art process: it enables a variable reaction time and easy catalyst switching/replacement. The process principle presented here is generic for liquid-phase reactions requiring long residence times, where conventional fixed-bed column reactors offer little flexibility. This is especially important when one switches between feedstocks or when the catalyst activity declines over time. Biodiesel manufacturing is a highly relevant example, because the reactor performance depends on the feedstock nature and composition. The concept is demonstrated in a scaled-down continuous laboratory reactor, keeping a similar reaction time and comparable heat and mass transfer to a large-scale process by optimising the reactor dimensions, fluid velocity and catalyst pellet size. We then provide the design of the large-scale process, which consists of serpentine-type plug flow reactors assembled as vertical tubes filled with catalysts. The reactor productivity can increase significantly by reducing the catalyst pellet size. A switching system allows connecting/bypassing the tubes and easy catalyst replacement. The reactor can be employed in a two-stage reaction technology, or in a one-stage reaction combined with membrane separation. Production capacity can be scaled-up simply by adding parallel modules. The versatility and ease of application make this catalytic process concept suitable for low-cost mobile biodiesel production plants.