Modelling, simulation, and experimental study of a simulated moving bed reactor for the synthesis of biodiesel

摘要

Investigation of the reversible esterification reaction between oleic acid and methanol to produce methyl oleate (biodiesel) catalyzed by Amberlyst 15 ion-exchange resin was carried out in a simulated moving bed reactor (SMBR). SMBR performance was described both experimentally and numerically using a mathematical model under various operating conditions. The model predicted the experimental outcome reasonably well. An improved yield (56%) and purity (42%) of biodiesel could be achieved in an SMBR compared to a fixed-bed reactor (31% yield and 22% purity) by selecting appropriate operating conditions. The effects of various process parameters such as switching time as well as feed and eluent flow rate on SMBR behaviour were also investigated systematically.