Doctoral Dissertations

Keywords and Phrases

Biodiesel; hybrid-energy system; modular process; plant design; process intensification; renewable

Abstract

"Current energy prices, national energy security, and global climate change fuel our momentum to find efficient advanced fuels choices. In this study, biodiesel processing, and a novel design for next generation biodiesel plants are explored. During a National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps project we identified three creative and profitable improvements to the process: 1. Incorporating Energy intensive separations and reactions 2. Utilizing Low commodity glycerol and 3. Applying process intensification principles.

Current biodiesel processes are catalyzed processes using continuous stir reactors with distillation systems to separate material constituents. We tested a lab-scale nocatalyst supercritical biodiesel process using waste cooking oil and ethanol as feedstock. This led to the development of a scaled up modular EAC process using a non-catalyzed spiral bound plug flow reactor and advanced separation systems (ASS) to separate Free Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME)/Biodiesel (BD), glycerol and methanol.

We investigated E. Coli to digest glycerol and make ethanol at anaerobic conditions. We have designed various primers that make this DNA. We developed a scaled-up plant that incorporates a continuous tubular reactor where heat exchangers are networked and integrated into the plant loop. A 3000 kg/day biodiesel plant will operate in a continuous operation. Seven modular nodes were envisioned, designed, and simulated using Aspen Plus software. The process nodes easily transportable and connectable. A comprehensive design package includes the HAZOP study, control narrative, P&ID, process simulation and a conceptual 3D sketch"-- Abstract, p. iii

Advisor(s)

Smith, Joseph D.

Committee Member(s)

Ludlow, Douglas K.
Westenberg, David J.
Bachman, Bonnie
Al-Rubaye, Haider

Department(s)

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Degree Name

Ph. D. in Chemical Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Pagination

xii, 119 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes_bibliographical_references_(pages 115-118)

Rights

© 2022 Ghana Shyam Paudel, All rights reserved

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 12357

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