Department
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Major
Chemical Engineering
Research Advisor
Smith, Joseph D.
Advisor's Department
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Abstract
In the search for low carbon-emitting, sustainable, and economical energy sources, biodiesel has been noted to be a potential solution. As an alternative to petroleum derived diesel, biodiesel can be produced through the transesterification reaction of waste cooking oil and methanol. Our research has focused on scaling up this process to a commercial plant that could be placed onto a trailer allowing on-site production of biodiesel wherever waste cooking oil is made available. Our aim is that this biodiesel would meet industry quality and purity standards such that it could subsequently be used in a traditional diesel burning engine. This commerical plant design is technologically unique by virtue of four characteristics: its modular design, novel separation systems, novel reactor design, and uncatalyzed transesterification reaction that is made possible by supercritical temperatures and pressures. To formulate this design, we have developed a P&ID complete with three separation systems, one pressurized tubular reactor, and one washing step. Additionally, our P&ID also includes process controls as well as safety and environmental considerations. From this P&ID, we are conducting a hazard and operability study, and we are also developing a 3D plant design and simulation that will enable us to analyze the sizing and cost of construction.
Biography
Caleb Moellenhoff is a sophomore Chemical Engineering student from Ballwin, MO. Caleb has been working with the Bioengineering & Systems Technology Laboratory team and Shyam Paudel since January. When he is not studying or doing research, Caleb enjoys running for the S&T Cross Country and Track team, being involved in Christian Campus Fellowship, reading, and playing the piano.
Research Category
Engineering
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Award
Engineering poster presentation, First place
Location
Upper Atrium
Presentation Date
14 Apr 2022, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Designing Novel Modular Biodiesel Plant
Upper Atrium
In the search for low carbon-emitting, sustainable, and economical energy sources, biodiesel has been noted to be a potential solution. As an alternative to petroleum derived diesel, biodiesel can be produced through the transesterification reaction of waste cooking oil and methanol. Our research has focused on scaling up this process to a commercial plant that could be placed onto a trailer allowing on-site production of biodiesel wherever waste cooking oil is made available. Our aim is that this biodiesel would meet industry quality and purity standards such that it could subsequently be used in a traditional diesel burning engine. This commerical plant design is technologically unique by virtue of four characteristics: its modular design, novel separation systems, novel reactor design, and uncatalyzed transesterification reaction that is made possible by supercritical temperatures and pressures. To formulate this design, we have developed a P&ID complete with three separation systems, one pressurized tubular reactor, and one washing step. Additionally, our P&ID also includes process controls as well as safety and environmental considerations. From this P&ID, we are conducting a hazard and operability study, and we are also developing a 3D plant design and simulation that will enable us to analyze the sizing and cost of construction.
