Establishment of Parameters for the Design and Operation of a Pilot Scale Unit Reactor for Methyl Ester Production

Author : Masangkay, Marciano Espina
Major Adviser : Lozada, Ernesto P.
Committee Members :
Year : 1991
Month : July
Type : Thesis
Degree: BS
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Abstract

Following the already established reaction temperature and coconut oil : methanol : sodium hydroxide ratio, the reaction time and stirring rate requirement of the esterification process of coconut oil were established. The reaction time and stirring rate was established by varying one parameter while keeping the other parameters constant. The extent of the esterification reactions of the samples were analyzed based on the volume of the glycerol yield, methanol balance and gas chromatography analysis. Scale-up of reaction did not vary significantly at high stirring rates. Low stirring rates (below 200 rpm) resulted to low extents of reaction. The maximum extent of esterification reaction obtained was 95%. The reaction time was set at 15 minutes and the stirring rate for the two-liter reactor runs was set at 400 rpm. Scale-up results concurred with the results in the one-liter runs.

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