Biodiesel Research Reactor

Background
The Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Idaho operates a pilot-scale biodiesel reactor to research issues with biodiesel production and provide fuel to the biodiesel fleet of the University. Team Liquid Gold is undertaking to design a lid and ingredient containment system in order to reduce the hazards currently associated with the process. It is hoped that our project will allow future automation of biodiesel manufacturing at the University, and eventually incorporate methods of improving reaction time and biodiesel conversion rate.

Deliverables
"The objective of this team will be to design and fabricate a state of the art pilot scale biodiesel reactor to address challenges for industrial partners. This system will handle reagents such as methanol and liquid sodium methlyate." The objective of this project is to: ''Taken from the [[Media:2014_biodiesel_problem_statement.pdf|formative problem statement]] issued at the beginning of the semester.
 * Design an enclosed reactor system for safe operation of base transesterification
 * Size and design a condenser to capture and reflux alcohol back into the system
 * Design a system for thorough Agitation of reaction vessel.
 * Design a system for temperature control of the reaction

Project Learning
To gain an initial understanding of the processes our client currently used, we arranged for a benchtop scale production session. We had the opportunity to work hands-on on making a small (<1 gallon) batch of biodiesel, to understand the procedures and risks involved. Photos below show moments from the benchtop session, while the flowchart at bottom represents the current system as operated by BAE personnel.

In order to finalize our understanding of what equipment would be suitable or unsuitable for this research reactor, we divided into multiple sub-teams to research the options available for the different needs of the reactor. Based on our conclusions, we prepared a summary presentation for our client, to confirm our intended concept design components.

[[Media:2014_biodiesel_stakeholder_presentation.pdf|Presentation of Conceptual Options for System Needs]]