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Chemical Engineering CHE 406 Jeff Bond Donovan Effray Dave Robinson |
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Low Pressure
Distillation: In this method of distillation the pressure above the liquid components is reduced to below atmospheric pressure, which makes it possible for the light key component(s) to either evaporate or boil at a much lower temperature. Once the vapor pressure of the light key component(s) exceeds the ambient pressure boiling will occur.
Why Vacuum
Distillation?: Some may be wondering why use vacuum distillation on a process. There are two main reasons involved. The first is the energy saved from lower boiling points imposed on the liquids. Since the boiling point is lowered it requires less energy for the liquid to change into a vapor under the low pressure system. The second main reason is the decomposition of materials at high temperature. Some substances will decompose above a certain temperature. The use of vacuum will lower the temperature required for boiling to occur, therefore making the substance safe from decomposition. Conceptual Design:
How this applies to
biodiesel: Once the waste grease has reacted in the presence of excess methanol and created the biodiesel and glycerin it is necessary to separate all of these components to obtain a usable product. There are many processes that can achieve this separation; however for the purposes of this project the technique of low pressure distillation will be employed. Experimentation to
be done: Once the construction of the low pressure distillation column is completed there are several experimentations that will be undergone on the following substances:
Once enough data is obtained it will be possible to propose designs for a scale-up process. Schedule: Currently our group meets in the Gleeson basement on the Links: PowerPoint
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