Description
The process carried out by the Computer Controlled Biodiesel Process Unit, “EBDC”, consists of the transformation of the fatty acids from vegetable oils into a biofuel of high energetic power.
The process basically consists of two well-defined stages:
- Stage I: Mixing and reaction under agitation. This first stage begins with the addition of vegetable oil to the main tank (reactor), and the preparation of the catalyst in a smaller secondary reactor. Next, reagent and catalyst are combined by subjecting the mixture to intense agitation and homogeneous heating, this is achieved by recirculating the medium through a centrifugal pump and providing heat by means of an electrical resistance, both actuators are computer controlled. This stage is carried out in a stainless steel reactor with temperature sensor and level switches that allow a controlled and safe operation.
- Stage II: Separation and washing of the obtained products. A second fundamental stage after the reaction is the separation of the main product from the rest of the by-products found in the medium. This is done by means of a first biphasic decantation. Decanting is a suitable operation when the compounds to be separated are not miscible with each other, which is the case between biodiesel and glycerin. Glycerin has a higher density than the fuel, so it is easily removed through the conical bottom of the reactor. On the other hand, the biodiesel undergoes a washing stage in which it is recirculated through a small ion exchange column that allows the elimination of impurities and water that may remain after the reaction. Finally, the fuel is passed through a diesel filter before final storage.
Additionally, the performance of the unit and the quality of the biodiesel can be evaluated thanks to a load cell installed in the product tank and a titration kit (pipette, drippers, etc.).
This Computer Controlled Unit is supplied with the EDIBON Computer Control System (SCADA), and includes: The unit itself + a Control Interface Box + a Data Acquisition Board + Computer Control, Data Acquisition and Data Management Software Packages, for controlling the process and all parameters involved in the process.
