Hydrodynamic Cavitation in Shockwave-Power-Reactor-Assisted Biodiesel Production in Continuous from Soybean and Waste Cooking Oil

James R. Vera-Rozo, Edison A. Caicedo-Peñaranda and José M. Riesco-Avila ()
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James R. Vera-Rozo: GIMUP, Mechanical Engineering Program, University of Pamplona, Pamplona 543050, Colombia
Edison A. Caicedo-Peñaranda: GISE, Electrical Engineering Program, University of Pamplona, Pamplona 543050, Colombia
José M. Riesco-Avila: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Guanajuato, Salamanca 36885, Mexico

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-14

Abstract: The transesterification process for biodiesel production is constrained by high thermal input, prolonged residence time, and intensive mechanical agitation. This study investigates process intensification via hydrodynamic cavitation using a custom-built Shockwave Power Reactor (SPR), enabling continuous biodiesel synthesis from soybean and used cooking oils. A statistically designed experimental matrix was applied to evaluate the reactor’s transient–stable thermal regime and the influence of operational parameters: rotor speed (1700–3415 rpm), volumetric flow rate (60–105 mL/min), methanol-to-oil molar ratio (6:1 to 12:1), and alkali catalyst type (NaOH or KOH). For benchmarking, conventional alkaline transesterification was optimized. The FAME yields from the SPR system exceeded 96.5% and complied with EN14103 standards. Specific energy analysis showed that cavitation-enhanced transesterification reduced energy consumption and peak temperature compared to traditional methods. The SPR’s capacity to induce high shear and localized turbulence under controlled cavitation offers a promising pathway for low-energy, scalable biodiesel production.

Keywords: cavitation; biodiesel; hydrodynamic cavitation; rotor–stator reactor; SPR (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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