Development of a millimetrically scaled biodiesel transesterification device that relies on droplet-based co-axial fluidics.

ABSTRACT: In this study, we investigated a fluidic system that adheres to new concepts of energy production. To improve efficiency, cost, and ease of manufacture, a millimetrically scaled device that employs a droplet-based co-axial fluidic system was devised to complete alkali-catalyzed transesterification for biodiesel production. The large surface-to-volume ratio of the droplet-based system, and the internal circulation induced inside the moving droplets, significantly enhanced the reaction rate of immiscible liquids used here - soybean oil and methanol. This device also decreased the molar ratio between methanol and oil to near the stoichiometric coefficients of a balanced chemical equation, which enhanced the total biodiesel volume produced, and decreased the costs of purification and recovery

SUBMITTER: Yeh SI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4947928 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature