Enhanced Glycerolysis of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester by Static Mixer Reactor

Abstract

This study investigates the synthesis of monoglycerides (MGs) and diglycerides (DGs) from glycerol (G) and fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) using a static mixer reactor (SMR), which combines a static mixer (SM) with a reactor tank. The SMR integrates Kenics static mixers (KSM) and low-pressure drop static mixers (LPDSM) with varying length-to-diameter ratios (L/D = 1.0 and 1.5). Keys glycerolysis parameters, including the G:FAME molar ratio of 2:1–3:1, 2–3 wt % potassium hydroxide (KOH), and reaction time of 30–90 min at 150 °C were systematically explored. The SMR design allows precise control over the reaction time without altering the feed flow rate or tube length and avoiding agitator leakage. The optimal operating conditions, determined through a face-centered central composite design, resulted in 71.35% MGs and 14.20% DGs at a 3:1 molar ratio of G to FAME, 3 wt % KOH, 60 min, and 150 °C using an LPDSM with an L/D of 1.5. In comparison, an LPDSM with an L/D of 1 achieved 79.28% MGs and 10.17% DGs under the same conditions. When applied to purified crude glycerol, these conditions yielded 61.09% MGs and 23.44% DGs. The study found that a lower L/D ratio improved the mixing efficiency but increased the pressure drop. The SMR demonstrated superior performance in glycerolysis compared with conventional stirred tank reactors and ultrasonic probe reactors, indicating its potential for enhanced industrial application.