Devices and Methods for Continuous BioDiesel Production

Abstract

At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a device that combines feedstock oil and methoxide mix MM (methoxide and/or additional mixing components) along micro channels into a micro mixing channel/chamber, wherein the flow mix and continuously flow.

1 . A method of continuous product generation comprising:
 generating a first flow of a first mixture along a first section, having a first volumetric flow rate;   generating a second flow of a second mixture along a second section, having a second volumetric flow rate, wherein a geometry of the first and second sections are such that the first flow and the second flow have a relative velocity equal to or below a threshold value; and   mixing the first flow and the second flow along a third section to form a mixing flow, where the threshold value is selected to maximize mixing of the first and second flow along the third section.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first flow and the second flow are substantially co-axial, and wherein the first flow is surrounded by the second flow. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the threshold value is selected to maximize the percentage of mixing product that results from mixing the first and second flow that occurs along the shortest distance along the third section. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the threshold value is about zero. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one dimension of at least one of the first, second, and third sections is less than 1000 microns. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the first flow includes feedstock oil. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the second flow includes a mixture to convert the feedstock oil into biodiesel. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the mixture includes a catalyst and an alcohol. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the mixture includes methoxide. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the mixing step includes breaking the first and second flow into aphrons, wherein the sheath and yoke mix in time to form at least a portion of biodiesel. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the first flow includes feedstock oil, wherein the second flow includes a mixture to convert the feedstock oil into biodiesel, and wherein the mixing flow includes biodiesel and feedstock oil, further comprising:
 separating at least a portion of biodiesel from feedstock oil by impinging the mixing flow upon a micropore filter, wherein the micropore filter is any filter that allows one of either the biodiesel or feedstock molecule to pass through.