Guo Pingmei

Optimization of biodiesel production using a magnetically stabilized fluidized bed reactor.

A biodiesel production process using magnetically stabilized fluidized bed reactor (MSFBR) has been developed based on the refined cottonseed oil. The reactant flow rate and magnetic field intensity effects on the nanometer magnetic catalyst behavior in the column were investigated. Orthogonal experiments (L4(2)3) were applied to optimize the best transesterification reaction conditions. Reaction temperature, methanol to oil molar ratio, and reactant flow rate were the main factors to influence transesterification conversion efficiency. These three factors chosen for the present investigation were based on the results of single-factor tests. The optimum transesterification reaction conditions of cottonseed oil were determined in MSFBR as follows: methanol to oil molar ratio 8:1, 40xa0cm3xa0min−1 reactant flow rate, 225xa0Oe magnetic field intensity and reaction temperature of 65xa0°C, the conversion efficiency reached 97% in 100xa0min. The cold filter plugging point and kinematic viscosity of cottonseed oil biodiesel were higher than that described by Chinese specifications of biodiesel because of the special fatty acid profiles of cottonseed oil. The activity stability of the nanometer magnetic solid catalyst in MSFBR was much better than that in the autoclave stirred reactor (ASR).