Reaction
What catalyst is used for the reaction?
Sodium Ethylate
How many stages are there in the tower?
5 (Four oil, 1 glycerol)
This is the first type of wash
Citric Wash
Where does wet oil go?
DOT 1
What is the purpose of CE?
Turn a TG into an EE Molecule
What type of reactor is used for ethylation?
Tubular Flow Reactor
Why is glycerol on the bottom stage and not the top?
Heavier than oil, allows ethanol to flash up the column
How is the citric wash added to the oil?
Inline mixing, then into seperator
What conditions does drying take place under?
Vacuum and Heat (20-40 torr at 75-80 deg C)
Why do we need EE if a TG is whats found in nature?
Very difficult (almost impossible) to concentrate TG on skid. EE is more volatile, and therefore easier to separate
How many possible passes can oil make through the reactor?
3 (Usually only two, but it is possible to make a third pass)
CF-4119 is controlled based on this characteristic?
Turbidity
What are the old / new citric injection concentrations?
2% / 1%
Where does dry oil go?
DOT-2
What is the purpose of a catalyst?
Lowers the activation energy - uses less heat/ energy than without it
When reacting with ethanol, it is important that the ethanol be free of this compound
Water (Moisture)
Traditionally, when this system is not working, copious of ethanol end up in WWTP
Chiller / Condenser Unit- can also be exacerbated by vacuum leaks
Why do we need to water wash?
Neutralization of Citric
What is the next process after drying?
Concentration
What is (roughly) the density of glycerol?
1100-1200 kg/m3
What pressure and temperature does the reaction take palce?
85-90 deg C, at over 120+ psi
When damaged or dirty, this may cause issues in separation (It's hard to see)
Column Packing
How many pieces of equipment are used for separation in Washing?
3 (2 Centrifuges and 1 phase seperator)
What type of vacuum pump is sued for drying?
BUSCH (Twin screw progressive cavity pump)
Why can we not reuse / distill water/ ethanol mixtures?
Ethanol and water form an azeotrope; which makes distillation to certain purities impossible