Optimization of the Process of Metal NanoCalcium Oxide Based Biodiesel Production through Simulation Using SuperPro Designer

Abstract

This study evaluates improvements made to a biodiesel production process from Chlorella sp. micro algae in a locomotive pilot plant using simulation. Energy and the main variables of the operation such as temperature, reaction time, alcohol molar concentration, vegetable oil, and use of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts and their concentration, mixing intensity, and moisture control were collected from operational data, and mass balances were tested in the SuperPro Designer retail package v.9.5. The result was an increase in the efficiency of the process of obtaining company biodiesel from 86% to 92% by volume, the same that were scaled taking into account the species’ production locality, and the results obtained showed that 26% was met by obtaining 10 MM (millions) of liters of biodiesel from the scaled plant.