Economic Evaluation of Biodiesel Production from Palm Fatty Acid Distillate Using a Reactive Distillation

Economic evaluation of a reactive distillation for biodiesel production is performed. Palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) consisting of a mixtures of triglycerides, moisture and free fatty acids is considered a feedstock. A simulation model of the biodiesel production process based on a reactive distillation is developed using Aspen Plus. Effect of key operating parameters, such as the number of reactive stages and liquid holdup, is investigated. The economic analysis considers total investment costs, operating costs and economic indicators, such as return on investment (ROI) and net present value (NPV). Performance of the reactive distillation processes is compared with a conventional process using two continuous reactors. The simulation results show that a single step acid - catalyzed process can be carried out in a reactive distillation for higher biodiesel productivity and purity. Although the conventional process has lower total production cost, the reactive distillation process is more economical process providing a higher ROI and NPV. The biodiesel production using a reactive distillation without recycling upstream is the most preferred configuration. Furthermore, the reactive distillation process can save the energy requirement of 51.2% compared with the conventional process.