(121a) Simulation Study of Chemical Transesterification Reaction for Biodiesel Production from Castor Oil

Biodiesel is a renewable source of energy and can be used directly without modification in engine. It is therefore an attractive alternative to the use of fossil fuels and gaining considerable attention. Biodiesel can be produced from a variety of feedstock through different transesterification systems. The production of biodiesel from castor oil through chemical based transesterification is expected to be a convenient route for many countries. However, the study on this transesterification reaction route is limited. The present study was therefore aimed to assess the several aspects of this transesterification reaction through simulation. In particular, the individual effects of reaction temperature, activation energy and Arrhenius constant on the composition and flow of biodiesel stream were analyzed and optimized. Alcohol (ethanol/methanol) and base (sodium hydroxide/ potassium hydroxide) were also altered to determine the impacts on biodiesel. The findings of this study would be useful for in-depth understanding of the reaction for the production of biodiesel from castor oil via chemical transesterification.