This study explores the mechanistic issues of ultrasound-assisted interesterification through identification of links between physics and chemistry of the process. Notably, the interesterification reactions have been carried out using blended feedstock of non-edible oils—keeping in view requirements for large-scale processes. The reaction system consisted of blended non-edible oils, methyl acetate and a solid (Cu₂O) catalyst. Initial optimization of the process parameters was done using statistical design. To get insight into physical mechanism of interesterification process, reactants/products profiles in control (mechanical agitation) and test (sonication) experiments were analysed using the Langmuir–Hinshelwood–Hougen–Watson type kinetic model. The relative adsorption equilibrium constants required (to fit the kinetic model) were obtained using binary composite isotherm coupled with the non-random two-liquid (NRTL) model for activity coefficients. Kinetic constants of interesterification showed two times rise with sonication, while the adsorption equilibrium constants reduced slightly. Activation energy of reaction reduced from 89.04 to 66.97 kJ/mol, which is attributed to reduction in mass transfer barriers due to intense microconvection generated by sonication.

中文翻译：

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使用非食用油混合物和多相催化剂进行超声辅助酯交换的机理研究

本研究通过确定过程的物理和化学之间的联系来探索超声辅助酯交换的机械问题。值得注意的是，酯交换反应是使用非食用油的混合原料进行的——考虑到大规模工艺的要求。反应体系由混合的非食用油、乙酸甲酯和固体（Cu ₂O) 催化剂。工艺参数的初始优化是使用统计设计完成的。为了深入了解酯交换过程的物理机制，使用 Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson 型动力学模型分析了控制（机械搅拌）和测试（超声处理）实验中的反应物/产物曲线。使用二元复合等温线与活性系数的非随机两液体 (NRTL) 模型相结合，获得（拟合动力学模型）所需的相对吸附平衡常数。酯交换动力学常数随超声作用增加了两倍，而吸附平衡常数略有降低。反应活化能从89.04降低到66.97 kJ/mol，