CFD Numerical Simulation of Biodiesel Synthesis in a Spinning Disc Reactor

Abstract

In this paper a two-disc spinning disc reactor for intensified biodiesel synthesis is described and numerically simulated. The reactor consists of two flat discs, located coaxially and parallel to each other with a gap of 0.2 mm between the discs. The upper disc is located on a rotating shaft while the lower disc is stationary. The feed liquids, triglycerides (TG) and methanol are introduced coaxially along the centre line of rotating disc and stationary disc. Fluid hydrodynamics in the reactor for synthesis of biodiesel from TG and methanol in the presence of a sodium hydroxide catalyst are simulated, using convection-diffusion-reaction species transport model by the CFD software ANSYS©Fluent v. 13.0. The effect of the upper disc's spinning speed is evaluated. The results show that the rotational speed increase causes an increase of TG conversion despite the fact that the residence time decreases. Compared to data obtained from adequate experiments, the model shows a satisfactory agreement.

Numerical Analysis of The Effect of Hydrodynamics and Operating Conditions on Biodiesel Synthesis in a Rotor-Stator Spinning Disk Reactor

“…With the use of SDR, shorter process time and smaller equipment size is needed, which is very important for industrial production. We discussed the process time issue in our previous paper (Wen and Petera, 2015) confirming higher efficiency of SDR compared to the conventional apparatus. However, it is necessary to optimise the operating conditions in order to attain better biodiesel production efficiency as recommended above.…”

Transesterification of Triglycerides in a Rotor–Stator Spinning Disc Reactor: Scale-Up and Solid Handling

“…The results of this study illustrate the potential of the RS-SDR for not only FAME production but also for other multiphase reactions of similar nature. In combination with the computational and numerical analyses of FAME production, the system could be further optimized. , Investigations of an RS-SDR process using energy crops dervived from, for instance jatropha , or waste edible oil rather than refined oils as feedstock can further improve the sustainability of the overall process . Using such intensified reactors, which also allow for scaling, it may be possible to transform to a decentralized, flexible method of production based on renewable energy sources. , This transition can be further aided using the principles of Industry 4.0, leading to a more sustainable and more efficient production process of not just biofuels but also a myriad of other chemicals.…”

“…In combination with the computational and numerical analyses of FAME production, the system could be further optimized. 104,105 Investigations of an RS-SDR process using energy crops dervived from, for instance jatropha, or waste edible oil rather than refined oils as feedstock can further improve the sustainability of the overall process. 106 Using such intensified reactors, which also allow for scaling, it may be possible to transform to a decentralized, flexible method of production based on renewable energy sources.…”

Design and performance test of biodiesel reactor using hellical screw agitator and baffles

“…The result appropriate with another researchers, that for certain type of agitator and combination of treatments, there was an optimal rotation; Hasan et al [11] has obtained 600 rpm; Miskah et al [12] got the best agitation of 750 rpm for propeller type of agitator. However, for spinning disc reactor, Wen and Petera [13] found at agitation of 2000 rpm gave the best result of biodiesel quality. This can be explained that spinning disc have an agitation only at the bottom of tank, so fast rotational speed is needed to enhances mixing among reagents by generating high shear forces, then eliminates transport resistance.…”