DWSIM simulation and thermal analysis of orange peel ashes as an ICT tool in biodiesel production
Introduction: This article is derived from the research project entitled “Characterization and valorization of orange peel waste through circular economy approaches: preliminary foundations for the design of sustainable solutions,” code PNFF-2025-2076, funded and supported by the Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas and the Office of Research (ODI).
Problem: Process simulation has become a fundamental tool within information and communication technologies (ICT) for systematic analysis and the improvement of sustainable technological frameworks.
Objective: This research aims to evaluate agro-industrial by-products, specifically orange peel, as a precursor of catalytic ash in biodiesel synthesis.
Methodology: The methodology included the extraction of essential oils from orange peel through steam distillation, conditioning of the residual material after extraction, and its thermal characterization using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG). The biodiesel production process was simulated using the open-source simulator DWSIM v9.0.4.
Results: The thermal characterization of orange peel ash enabled the identification of decomposition phases associated with hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin, as well as a mineral residue enriched with potassium and calcium. A simplified schematic representation of the transesterification process with palm oil and methanol (molar ratio 6:1) was developed in DWSIM software, using the alkaline catalyst K2CO3·2H2O.
Conclusion: The simulation reinforces the viability of orange peel as a catalyst in biodiesel production, contributing to waste valorization within the circular economy framework.
Originality: This research highlights the importance of synergistically combining thermal characterization of ashes with computational modeling for the optimization of processes such as biodiesel production.
Limitations: Further development is required for the validation of the proposed model.
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