Model and simulation of a packed resin column for biodiesel purification

This study aims to develop a multiphysics model using the finite element method for the simulation of a packed column. This column was filled with ion exchange resins SP112H and GF101, performing purification for the dry washing process mainly to reduce the free fatty acid content (FFA), monoacylglycerol (MAG), diacylglycerol (DAG), and triacylglycerol (TAG) biodiesel samples. Results obtained from simulations were compared to the experimental results for acidity, MAG, DAG and TAG. It was found that the simulation results represented with reasonable agreement the experimental.