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What is the best biodiesel that can be produced in the school laboratory? …
What is the best biodiesel that can be produced in the school laboratory?
biodiesel
what is it made out of?
soybean oil
palm oil
canola oil
animal tallow
used restaurant cooking oil
what is it?
a renewable, biodegradable fuel made from organic materials like vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking grease
best
high cetane number
easier ignition and smoother combustion
high energy content
more energy released per gram
low viscosity
flows more easity through fuel systems
low cloud point
remains usable at lower temperatures
low pour point
continues flowing in cold conditions
good oxidation stability
fuel lasts longer without degrading
low emissions
better enviromental performance
high biodiesel yield
more fuel produced from starting material
low production cost
more economically practical
renewable feedstock
reduces dependence on fossil fuels
school laboratory
limited access to equipment (high pressure/ temp)
must use small quantities of chemicals and materials
cannot use all chemicals
limited time avaliable during lessions
limited number of trials that can be completed
produced
methods of production
acid catalysed transesterification
The same basic reaction occurs, but an acid catalyst is used instead of a base.
Two step acid base process
This is useful for oils with high free fatty acid content, such as used cooking oil.
Base catalysed transesterification
Vegetable oils or animal fats contain triglycerides. These react with a short chain alcohol, usually methanol, in the presence of a base catalyst such as NaOH or KOH.
Enzyme catalysed transesterification
Instead of NaOH or KOH, an enzyme called lipase can catalyse the reaction.
Supercritical alcohol method
Methanol is heated and pressurised until it reaches a supercritical state. At this point, it can react with the triglycerides without requiring a conventional catalyst.
Direct esterification of free fatty acids
If the starting material is primarily free fatty acids rather than triglycerides, biodiesel can be produced directly through esterification.