Optimization of a 10 Litre Full Electric Reflux Distiller

Abstract

Sugar sap from Nipa (Nypa fruiticans) palm is one of the promising sustainable feedstocks for ethanol production. There are different stages and processes needed for the sap to produce ethanol particularly: collection, fermentation, and distillation. In order to produce high ethanol concentration and yield, each stage or process needs to be optimized and improved as such, this study optimized the flow rate and temperature of the cooling system of a 10 L full electric Reflux distiller for the production of a fuel grade (95%) bioethanol from nipa sap. The optimal power density for the 10 L full electric reflux distiller was also determined. Optimizing these parameters improved the concentration of the ethanol, ethanol yield and also decreased the operational cost of the 10 L full electric reflux distiller. First step was to determine the power density required for the 10 L Lab-Scale Distiller through experiment using different power density. After identifying the power density, multiple trials were performed with 2 protocols being the continuous method and recirculating method of the cooling system. Results showed that a flow rate of 0.77 L/min, a 27 °C cooling liquid temperature and a 100W/m3 power density were obtained. An increase of 154.2% in volume of consistent 95% concentration yield was observed. Also, there was a significant increase in the yield. Continuous method was faster by an average of 26 minutes compared to the recirculating method.