Sizing a CSTR for transesterification reaction

[Jack Thompson]

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!

 

[Chestermiller]

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