Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Research and Publications
Date of this Version
6-17-1994
Citation
In: Liquid Fuels, Lubricants and Additives from Biomass: Proceedings of an Alternative Energy Conference, Kansas City, Missouri, United States, June 16-17, 1994
Abstract
lnrcreased ervironmental awareness and depletion of resources are driving industry to develop aiternative fuels from renewable resources that are environmentally more acceptable. Esters of fatty acids (biodiesel), derived from the transesterification of vegetable oils, have properties similar to cornponents of petroleum based diesel fuel. Cost has been a major factor in slowing down the commercialization of biodiesel. In order to improve the economy of this process two factors were investigated in this study: 1) use of beef tallow as raw material and 2) by-product utilization.
Glycerol is the by-product of the esterification process. In this work the feasibility of the glycerolysis of the vegetable oils with crude glycerol, from the transesterification of vegetable oils and animal fats, in a continuous high shear mixing reactor has been studied. The preliminary investigation indicates the potential for a higher yield of monoglycerides at more rmoderate temperatures than traditional processing.
Transesterification of beef produces a mixture of esters which is more concetrated in the saturated fatty acids. Physical properties of these esters are similar to those esters of vegetable oils. Reaction results and properties for esters of beef tallow are presented.
Comments
Copyright © 1994, American Society of Agricultural Engineers. Used by permission