Microwave-assisted Production and Vacuum Distillation for Improved Cold-Flow Properties of Palm Fatty Acid Distillate (PFAD) Biodiesel

Yeong, Siew Ping

Yeong S 2020.pdf (4.336Mb)

Access Status

Open access

Authors

Yeong, Siew Ping

Date

2020

Supervisor

Ming Law

Stephanie Chan

Type

Thesis

Award

PhD

Metadata

Show full item record

Faculty

Curtin Malaysia

School

Curtin Malaysia

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/81003

Collection

Curtin Theses

Abstract

This study aims to produce biodiesel with improved cold flow properties from PFAD feedstock by utilizing microwave and vacuum distillation technologies. Microwave-assisted PFAD esterification reaction is modelled by a novel three-dimensional multiphysics model which incorporates electromagnetic wave, heat transfer, fluid flow and the 2nd order esterification reactions. The ester compositions of PFAD biodiesel can be modified via vacuum fractional distillation to produce export grade biodiesel for temperate climates.