Kinetic Model of Biodiesel Processing Using Ultrasound
Abstract: Ultrasound is
predicted to be able to accelerate the chemical reaction, to increase the
conversion of plant oil into biodiesel, and to decrease the need of catalyst
and energy input. The application of ultrasound for processing of biodiesel and
the mathematical model were conducted in this research. The result of the experiments
showed that the ultrasound increased reaction rate and the conversion of palm
oil into biodiesel up to 100%. It was better than the process with mechanical
stirrer that the conversion was just 96%. The duration to complete the process
using ultrasound was 1 minute. It was 30 to 120 times faster than that with mechanical
stirrer. Ultrasound transforms mechanical energy into inner energy of the fluids
and causes an increasing of temperature. Simultaneously, natural mixing process
undergo because of acoustic circulation. Simulation with experiment data showed
that the acceleration of transesterifcation with ultrasound was affected not
only by natural mixing and increasing temperature. The cavitation, surface
tension of micro bubble, and hot spot accelerate chemical reaction. In fact,
transesterifcation of palm oil with ultrasound still needs catalyst. It needs
only about 20% of catalyst compared to the process with mechanical stirrer.
Author: Bambang Susilo
Journal Code: jppertaniandd090105