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Exploring Biodiesel: Renewable Energy from Oils and Fats

This comprehensive overview by Clint Johnson from the University of Texas delves into the chemistry and production of biodiesel, focusing on the transesterification process of fats and oils into Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME). Key topics include catalyst selection, emissions impact, and the importance of compliance with fuel standards. It addresses challenges like sulfur oxides and regulatory concerns with NOx emissions. Future research directions and improved processing techniques for waste glycerin are also discussed, highlighting the potential for biodiesel in sustainable energy solutions.

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Exploring Biodiesel: Renewable Energy from Oils and Fats

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  1. BIODIESEL Renewable Energy From Oils and Fats Clint Johnson Energy Technology and Policy University of Texas Fall 2006

  2. French Fried Fuel

  3. Biodiesel = FAME • Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) • Fatty acids taken from oils or fats • Reacted with MeOH • Washed, dried to remove impurities • Must comply with fuel standards (U.S., European, etc.) • Variety of blends, from B5 to B100 FAME

  4. Chemistry of Oils and Fats • Fatty acids are long-chain carboxylic acids • A glycerol bonded to 3 fatty acids is called a triglyceride • Oils/fats contain triglycerides and unbonded, or free, fatty acids (FFA’s) A Fatty Acid A Triglyceride

  5. Transesterification • First observed in 1850’s • One main reaction for biodiesel production • Exchanges an ester’s functional group • Must be catalyzed, either base or acid • R’ (below) is methyl, and it replaces glycerol group • Viscosity is reduced significantly Transesterification

  6. Feedstock Selection Source: Kemp, William H. “Biodiesel Basics and Beyond.” p. 108

  7. Catalyst Selection • Acid or base catalyst • Base is faster, more economic • With high FFA, base catalyst will produce soap • Base catalyst also produces glycerol as coproduct • Acid catalysis can fix the soap problem • Most commercial processes use base catalysis

  8. Production

  9. Emissions • Biodiesel reduces most problematic emissions • NOx (greenhouse) emissions are increased • Led to regulatory problems with TCEQ • Can be addressed with NOx reducing additives Source: U.S. EPA

  10. Future Biodiesel Research • Processing and marketing of waste glycerin • Improved FAME yields, residence times • New techniques for using cheap, high FFA oils: Fischer esterification, pyrolysis, micro emulsion • Engine performance testing

  11. Questions?

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