New developments in the production of biodiesel via Esterification and Transesterification method using Aspen Hysys software

A new continuous process for biodiesel production was simulated using Aspen HYSYS 2006 software and compared with another process mentioned in the literature . The process flowsheet follows a traditional alkaline transesterification scheme constituted by esterification, transesterification and purification stages. Feedstocks with a mild acid content have been used for esterification section as fresh feed, and then transesterification occured. Due to integration of heat transfer, the energy required for the proposed process is about 2.5 times lower than the other process. Using waste oil as feedstock has reduced the cost of plant in comparison to other processes. Contrary to the previous research, a neutralization section has been considered. The amount of acid and alkali for neutralization section was also optimized. Design of the proposed process in atmospheric pressure results in less fixed capital investment in comparision to the other process.