EBDC Peralatan Proses Biodiesel, Dikendalikan dari Komputer (PC)

The process carried out by the Computer Controlled Biodiesel Process Unit, "EBDC", consists of the transformation of the fatty acids from vegetable oils into a biofuel of high energetic power.

The process basically consists of two well-defined stages:

• Stage I: Mixing and reaction under agitation. This first stage begins with the addition of vegetable oil to the main tank (reactor), and the preparation of the catalyst in a smaller secondary reactor. Next, reagent and catalyst are combined by subjecting the mixture to intense agitation and homogeneous heating, this is achieved by recirculating the medium through a centrifugal pump and providing heat by means of an electrical resistance, both actuators are computer controlled. This stage is carried out in a stainless steel reactor with temperature sensor and level switches that allow a controlled and safe operation.
• Stage II: Separation and washing of the obtained products. A second fundamental stage after the reaction is the separation of the main product from the rest of the by-products found in the medium. This is done by means of a first biphasic decantation. Decanting is a suitable operation when the compounds to be separated are not miscible with each other, which is the case between biodiesel and glycerin. Glycerin has a higher density than the fuel, so it is easily removed through the conical bottom of the reactor. On the other hand, the biodiesel undergoes a washing stage in which it is recirculated through a small ion exchange column that allows the elimination of impurities and water that may remain after the reaction. Finally, the fuel is passed through a diesel filter before final storage.

Additionally, the performance of the unit and the quality of the biodiesel can be evaluated thanks to a load cell installed in the product tank and a titration kit (pipette, drippers, etc.).

This Computer Controlled Unit is supplied with the EDIBON Computer Control System (SCADA), and includes: The unit itself + a Control Interface Box + a Data Acquisition Board + Computer Control, Data Acquisition and Data Management Software Packages, for controlling the process and all parameters involved in the process.