Based on the same biodiesel production of 270 kg h−1, a simulation
of a continuous process operating with reactive distillation was carried
out. The results showed that a reflux ratio of 4:1 and a number of stages
equal to 10was sufficient to produce oil conversion above 97%. Furthermore,
the increase in alcohol/oil ratio from3:1 to 6:1 increased the conversion
from 95.6% to 97.6%. The reactive distillation simulated process
showed an economic viability of 26%, which is 11% higher than in the
batch process in which the viability was 15%.
Fig. 4. Process flow diagram of the continuous reactive distillation process.
Fig. 5.