Application of Condenser for Methanol Recovery in Biodiesel Setup

Abstract

The waste cooking oil is transfered into biodiesel by using potassium hydroxide (KOH), alcohol (methanol) at a set temperature and time. The concentration of catalyst should be at correct level or else it will lead to negative effect on the overall output of the biodiesel produced. The biodiesel conversion is done to remove the free fatty acids present in the vegetable oil using transesterification process. It is known that the boiling point of methanol is 67 °C it gets evaporated if the reaction temperature exceeds beyond the boiling point. Due to evaporation the methanol required for the reaction to proceed forward may not available. Thus inorder the save lose of methanol due to evaporation during high temperature operations, a condenser is required to condense the escaping methanol in the form vapour. This condensed methanol is again sent back to the reaction vessel to carry the transesterification reaction. Petroleum diesel is widely used in the automobile sectors, industry purpose, domestic uses and in agriculture for generation of power (mechanical) energy for the purpose of meeting the energy demands. The fuels from alternate sources are renewable and does not cause severe effect on the environment. Biodiesel is one such source of fuel which can greatly support to reduce the dependency on conventional fuels. It will complete process in 1 to 2 days to finish the vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel. Biodiesel is renewable energy source to be produce the natural oil and also fats. Hence producing biodiesel is will be a better way to compensate the energy demands and the cost involved during production should also be considered. One of the cost reducing method is saving the raw materials from wastage.