Thesis Abstract

**Abstract
** The global demand for sustainable energy sources has led to increased research and development in the field of biodiesel production. This thesis presents the design and optimization of a continuous flow reactor for biodiesel production using waste cooking oil as the feedstock. The aim of this study is to improve the efficiency and sustainability of biodiesel production by utilizing a continuous flow reactor system. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, highlighting the background of the study, the problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. The literature review in Chapter Two examines existing research on biodiesel production, continuous flow reactors, waste cooking oil as a feedstock, and optimization techniques in chemical engineering processes. Chapter Three details the research methodology, including the experimental setup, materials and methods, data collection procedures, and statistical analysis techniques employed in the study. The discussion of findings in Chapter Four presents the results of the experiments conducted to design and optimize the continuous flow reactor for biodiesel production. Key parameters such as temperature, pressure, residence time, and catalyst concentration are analyzed to determine their impact on biodiesel yield and quality. The results indicate that the continuous flow reactor system offers several advantages over traditional batch reactors, including improved reaction kinetics, reduced energy consumption, and enhanced product purity. Optimization studies reveal that operating the reactor at specific temperature and pressure conditions, with optimized residence time and catalyst concentration, can significantly increase biodiesel yield and quality. In conclusion, the design and optimization of a continuous flow reactor for biodiesel production using waste cooking oil demonstrate the feasibility and potential for scaling up sustainable biodiesel production processes. This study contributes to the advancement of green energy technologies and provides a foundation for further research in the field of biodiesel production. The findings of this research have practical implications for the development of efficient and environmentally friendly biodiesel production systems.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Design and optimization of a continuous flow reactor for biodiesel production using waste cooking oil" focuses on the development of an innovative approach to produce biodiesel from waste cooking oil using a continuous flow reactor system. Biodiesel, as a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuels, has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on non-renewable resources. Waste cooking oil, a byproduct of various food processing industries and households, presents an attractive feedstock for biodiesel production due to its abundance and low cost. The research aims to design and optimize a continuous flow reactor system that can efficiently convert waste cooking oil into high-quality biodiesel through transesterification, a chemical process that involves reacting the oil with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. The project will involve the selection of suitable reactor configurations, optimization of operating conditions, and evaluation of the performance of the system in terms of biodiesel yield, purity, and production efficiency. By focusing on the utilization of waste cooking oil as a feedstock, the project contributes to the sustainable management of food waste and the promotion of circular economy practices. The development of a continuous flow reactor system offers advantages such as improved process control, higher productivity, and reduced energy consumption compared to batch processing methods commonly used in biodiesel production. The research overview underscores the importance of this project in addressing environmental concerns, promoting resource efficiency, and advancing the development of renewable energy technologies. The successful design and optimization of a continuous flow reactor for biodiesel production using waste cooking oil have the potential to not only contribute to the biofuels industry but also to create a more sustainable and greener future for energy production and consumption.