Process engineering and optimization of glycerol separation in a packed-bed reactor for enzymatic biodiesel production

► A practical process model for enzymatic biodiesel production. ► We focus on the issues involved in glycerol separation using a packed bed reactor. ► Both the flow rate and reaction mixture affect the glycerol removal efficiency. ► To facilitate a stable operation, process engineering is performed. ► Long-term operation is successfully demonstrated using the constructed bench system.