Sizing a CSTR for transesterification reaction

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on sizing a Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactor (CSTR) for the transesterification of triglycerides into methyl esters using methanol and NaOH as a catalyst. The transesterification process involves three reversible reactions: TG + CH3OH <--> DG + ME, DG + CH3OH <--> MG + ME, and MG + CH3OH <--> C3H8O3 + ME. The user possesses the reaction rate constants but seeks assistance with mass balance equations for the reactor, particularly for a CSTR that combines multi-step and reversible reactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactor (CSTR) design
  • Knowledge of transesterification reactions and their kinetics
  • Familiarity with mass balance equations in chemical engineering
  • Experience with reaction rate constants for reversible reactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research mass balance equations for multi-step reactions in CSTRs
  • Study the application of reaction rate constants in reactor design
  • Explore software tools for reactor simulation, such as Aspen Plus
  • Learn about optimization techniques for CSTR sizing in chemical processes
USEFUL FOR

Chemical engineers, process engineers, and students involved in reactor design and optimization, particularly those focusing on biodiesel production through transesterification.

Jack Thompson
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Hi,

I need to size a CSTR for the transesterification of tri-glycerides into methyl esters (bio-diesel) by reaction with methanol and NaOH catalyst.

The transesterification reaction taken place in 3 reversible steps:
TG + CH3OH <--> DG + ME
DG + CH3OH <--> MG + ME
MG + CH3OH <--> C3H8O3 + ME

Where: TG = Triglyceride DG = Di-Glyceride MG = Monoglyceride ME = Methyl Esters

I have the reaction rate constants for each of the forward and reverse reactions, however, I'm stuck there.
I know how to size a multi-step CSTR or a reversible reaction CSTR but not a combination of the two.

Please help!
 
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Let's see your mass balance equations for all the species in the reactor