Sumerianz Journal of Scientific Research
Online ISSN: 2617-6955
Print ISSN: 2617-765X
Quarterly Published (4 Issues Per Year)
Journal Website: https://www.sumerianz.com/?ic=journal-home&journal=29Archive
Volume 8 Issue 3 (2025)
Aspen HYSYS Guided Modelling in the Transesterification of Palm Oils for Customization as Drilling Fluids Additive
Authors : Eric O. Okeke
DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjsr.83.13.19
Abstract:This paper discusses the advancements in earlier studies on transesterification of palm oils; here we are presenting advanced Aspen HYSYS modelling of different complexities of hierarchical layers of simulation aimed at customizing esters derived from palm oils for different application. Published studies in transesterification show products from various vegetable oils for different applications including biodiesel production and drilling fluids formulation. In general, vegetable Oils consist of triglycerides (TG) 90 - 98 % by weight, small diglycerides (DG) and monoglycerides (MG), while palm oil contains TG 95.7%, DG 3.7%, and MG 0.6%. In the catalysis of transesterification of vegetable oils with alcohol, TG is converted stepwise to DG, MG and finally glycerol (GL). These reactions were modelled in varied layers of complexities in Aspen HYSYS: flowsheeting, steady state, sensitivity analysis, optimization and transient conditions in a CSTR at varied reaction conditions and time to produce varied esters properties.
Results from the models demonstrate the reliability of the various layers of the complexities of the simulation; show properties of the esters at various process conditions and therefore reveals prospects for customizing these esters derived from the transesterification of palm oils for various applications. Overall, the results show that this approach can guide further laboratory and modelling research towards customizing palm oil as drilling fluid additive.

