Machinery & Energetics

The efficiency of wet purification of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), also called biodiesel, was investigated by volumetric, bubble and aerosol washing. Volumetric washing of MEZhK was performed using a paddle stirrer with three blades on the shaft and a fourbladed stirrer with inclined blades. The frequency of rotation of the shaft of the paddle stirrer was 100, 200, 300 and 400 rpm, four-bladed stirrer with inclined blades - 200, 350, 500, 650 rpm Foam washing of FAME was carried out at an air consumption of 20 and 60 l/hr. at temperatures of FAME 20, 40 and 60°C. Three types of turbulizers were used for the experimental study of aerosol washing of FAME: DC-31-SER with one hole, DC-33-SER with two holes and DC-56-SER with four holes. The time of the experiments was 4 hours. Sampling of FAME for determination of its alkalinity was carried out every hour. Also, contaminated water was replaced with clean water every hour. Volumetric washing for four hours unsatisfactorily releases FAME from potassium citrate. at foam washing of FAME with an air consumption of 20 l/min. its alkalinity for 1-2 hours bubbling is reduced by 2-3 times. Further bubbling is impractical, because the alkalinity does not decrease, but increases. At an air consumption of 60 l/hr. for 3-4 years. bubbling alkalinity FAME decreases by 4.5 times, but in the future there is some increase. The resulting alkalinity of FAME at its aerosol washing decreases approximately in 2 times, at what the tendency to its decrease during longer time of washing is observed. Of the three studied methods of FAME washing, the aerosol method can be recommended for practical use, and medium- and large-drop washing should be carried out for at least 4-5 hours, while small-drop - for a longer time.

biodiesel, fatty acid methyl esters, FAME, wet cleaning, volume, foam, aerosol washing, large-drop and small-drop washing