COMPARISON OF BIODIESEL PRODUCTION FROM OLEIC ACID IN BATCH REACTOR AND MEMBRANE REACTOR

This study examines the production of biodiesel by the esterification reaction between oleic acid and ethanol. Conversions between reactions carried out with batch reactors and membrane reactors are compared and the advantages of membrane reactors are stated. The parameters examined in the study are catalyst concentration (2%, 4%, 6%), ethanol/oleic acid molar ratio (3,6,9) and temperature (between 45-65°C). The effect of these parameters on oleic acid conversion was evaluated and the reactions were carried out under the conditions determined because of the optimization. The highest conversion value in the batch reactor was obtained as 85.5% at 65°C, with an alcohol: acid molar feed ratio of 6:1 and a catalyst concentration of 4%. In addition, 50% conversion was achieved in the batch reactor with an ethanol/oleic acid molar ratio of 3, temperature 55°C and 4% catalyst ratio, while 75% conversion was achieved in the membrane reactor. These results show that the acid conversion achieved in the membrane reactor is 26% higher compared to batch reactors under the same operating conditions.