Biodiesel Production Technologies Research Articles

Biodiesel production and characteristics from waste frying oils: sources, challenges, and circular economic perspective.

Biodiesel serves as a viable alternative to traditional diesel due to its non-toxicity, biodegradability, and lower environmental footprint. Among the diverse edible and inedible feedstocks, waste frying oil emerges as a promising and affordable feedstock for biodiesel production. Commonly waste frying oils include those derived from palm, corn, sunflower, soybean, rapeseed, and canola. The primary challenge related to biodiesel production technologies is the high production cost, which poses a significant barrier to its widespread adoption. Thus, refining the production techniques is essential to enhance yield, reduce capital expenditure, and curtail raw material expenses. An examination of the research focusing on feedstock availability, production, hurdles, operational expenditures, and future potential is pivotal for identifying the most economically and technically viable solutions. This paper critically reviews such research by exploring feedstock availability, production techniques, challenges, and costs intrinsic to biodiesel synthesis. It also underscores the economic feasibility of biodiesel production, shedding light on the pivotal factors that influence profitability, especially when leveraging waste frying oils. Through an in-depth understanding of these considerations, optimal production and feedstock choices for biodiesel production can be identified. Addressing cost and production bottlenecks could potentially enhance the economic viability of waste frying oil-based biodiesel, thus fostering both environmental sustainability and more extensive adoption of biodiesel as an environmental-friendly fuel in the future.

Comparative study of a two-step enzymatic process and conventional chemical methods for biodiesel production: Economic and environmental perspectives

The urgent need to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions underscores the significance of biodiesel as a key liquid biofuel. Compared to chemical biodiesel production, enzymatic technology offers a more sustainable alternative. This article presents a comparative study between a two-step enzymatic biodiesel production technology, already successfully industrialized, and conventional chemical technologies utilizing soybean oil (SBO) and waste cooking oil (WCO) as feedstock, respectively. The economic analysis demonstrates significant cost savings with the enzymatic process resulting in reductions of 16.33% and 36.54% for SBO and WCO, respectively. Enzymatic technology also exhibits substantial reductions in energy consumption, with a decrease of 86.8% and 60.2% for SBO and WCO, respectively. LCA findings indicate that enzymatic technology diminishes environmental impacts and GHG emissions are less than 78.86% and 63.05% for SBO and WCO, respectively. This study provides crucial insights for decision-makers, marking a significant paradigm shift in biodiesel production.

Life-cycle assessment of microwave-assisted pyrolysis of pine sawdust as an emerging technology for biodiesel production

Although biofuels are often presented as a renewable and eco-friendly substitute to fossil fuels, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the complete environmental consequences of biofuel production to make well-informed choices about their usage. This study evaluated the environmental impacts of producing biodiesel from microwave-assisted pyrolysis (MAP) of pine sawdust using life-cycle assessment. A cradle-to-gate system boundary approach encompassing pine cultivation, biomass pre-processing, pyrolysis, and biofuel synthesis via transesterification was used. The ecoinvent v3.7 in openLCA v2.0 software was used to assess the environmental sustainability of the system. The ReCiPe 2016 (H) midpoint impact assessment methodology was used to analyze 18 environmental impact categories. The results showed that producing 1 kg of biofuel from MAP of pine sawdust had environmentally favorable impacts for most categories except global warming potential (1.18 kg CO2 eq.), photochemical oxidant formation (0.71 kg NMVOC eq.), and human toxicity (2.46 kg 1,4-DCB eq.). Biomass production contributed significantly to global warming, freshwater ecotoxicity, human toxicity, and marine ecotoxicity. Pyrolysis contributed 33 % of global warming potential due to non-condensable gas emissions. Biofuel synthesis impacted human toxicity, photochemical oxidant formation, and terrestrial ecotoxicity, mainly due to methanol use. Implementing sustainable practices such as using organic fertilizers, optimization of transportation routes, implementing gas cleaning technologies and effective waste management practices can enhance the environmental performance of this biofuel production system.

Development of an eco‐friendly technology for biodiesel production by Spirulina sp. isolated from pond water

AbstractBiodiesel made from renewable energy sources is gaining popularity due to its environmental and economic benefits. In this work, the effect of the most important reaction variables was investigated during the acid‐catalyzed of Spirulina sp. microalgae oil to biodiesel. Results showed that the biodiesel was obtained at 60°C for 8 h using 30 g of dry Spirulina sp. powder in 300 mL of n‐hexane. Physical characteristics of the biodiesel produced from Spirulina sp. were confirmed using, evaporation temperature, flash point, freeze point, and fire point. The presence of bonds of CH3, ROH, RC≡C‐H, ‐CH = CH‐CH2)n, R‐CH2‐X, and ArOH in the biodiesel 1H NMR spectrum. Further, the biodiesel produced from the Spirulina sp. subjected to FT‐IR and GC MS which revealed the aliphatic hydrocarbons and the list of compounds such as Oleic acid, 9‐octadecenal etc.

Automation of the control system for drying grain crops of the technological process for obtaining biodiesel fuels

Process of grain drying is discussed by the authors, which is considered one of the preliminary stages in the technology of biodiesel production. The drying process has a number of disadvantages that affect the quality and cost of biodiesel fuel. The impossibility of uniform heating and maintaining the required temperature with minimal energy costs is considered one of the most important defects that deserve scientific research. The authors propose a method for changing the heating system and preheating raw materials, based on world experience. We carried out mathematical calculations, provided the change in the temperature field of the drying chamber over time, and we also performed industrial experiment. Based on our results we determined the optimal number of heating sources of raw materials, taking into account the dimensions of the drying chamber. The authors propose a technical solution with which a uniform temperature field can be obtained in the drying chamber. Thus, the uniformity of the chamber heating will be increased, and large operating costs associated with leakage of oil from the grains will be disappeared.

A Review on Sustainable Approach for Production of Biodiesel from Waste Cooking Oil: A Case Study of Brunei Darussalam

Biofuels like biodiesel and bioethanol are the latest technologies to meet the rising energy demand and to replace depleting petroleum supplies. Biodiesel, which is made from vegetable oils, can be used to replace diesel fuel. Vegetable oils are a sustainable energy resource with a similar energy content to diesel fuel. In the proposed process, the main product from the reaction is biodiesel, whereas the by-products consist of glycerol and fertilizer. Biodiesel is mainly used in automotive diesel engines for various reasons, such as having a greater oxygen content, a higher cetane number, a higher viscosity, a lower aromatic content, and very little sulfur. These properties are essential in engine performance, combustion, and emissions. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent literature on biodiesel production methods from waste cooking oil, where the methods are grouped systematically and assessed. A decision table on process selection is provided to screen the most suitable technology for biodiesel production from waste cooking oil. The properties and application of potential products and by-products are also discussed. Finally, the case study of supplying biodiesel for B5 fuel in Brunei Darussalam is also provided.

The dilemma and potential development of biodiesel in China - In view of production capacity and policy

China has issued a series of biodiesel-related policies to alleviate energy shortage anxiety and reduce carbon emissions. However, no other provinces or cities in China widely utilize biodiesel except Shanghai. This article firstly conducted a comprehensive estimation of the potential botanical biodiesel capacity in China. Then, we examined why biodiesel advancement in China was stagnated by comparing biodiesel-related policies in pioneer countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. We found the highest mix ratio will be ∼13 % if all potential botanical oils are added to petrochemical diesel and an addition of 3 % blending ratio can be achieved if waste cooking oils are effectively utilized. We concluded that despite the encouragement from policies, insufficient materials and lack of downstream consumptions may be the major reasons for the sluggish development of biodiesel in China. If microalgae biodiesel production technology is overcome in the future, China can compulsorily mix biodiesel on a large scale. This paper provided a comprehensive review of biodiesel-related policies in Malaysia, Indonesia and China, and figured out the key problems that hinder the promotion of biodiesel, helping to understand the dilemma and drive the potential development of biodiesel in China.

Synthesis of biodiesel from the pyrolysis process with different condition of temperature boundary

For heavy-duty applications and power generation facilities, diesel engines are chosen over their spark ignition equivalents due to their better efficiency, robustness, and productivity. In order to solve the environmental and energy security concerns connected with these energy systems, research interests are currently being driven towards sustainable and renewable diesel fuels, such as biodiesel. However, the most difficult problem with producing biodiesel on a wide scale is its comparatively high cost compared to fossil-based diesel because of expensive feedstock and manufacturing expenses. Therefore, in order to increase the competitiveness of this biofuel compared to its petroleum counterpart, cost-efficient and environmentally friendly biodiesel production technologies must be created and continually improved. In the use of our automobiles, the used engine oil is disposed of in accordance with the usage depending on the engine running or the time duration. The pyrolysis process can be used to recycle this old engine oil. The pyrolysis reactor is the process component that is primarily involved in this pyrolysis. The related oil output and characteristics vary depending on the pyrolysis reactor's temperature (250℃ to 600℃). Basic properties including Calorific value, Cetane number, and kinematic viscosity are discovered to optimize the temperature for the pyrolysis process in this study on the effect of the operating temperature of the pyrolysis reactor on the oil yield. The optimal temperature was found as 550℃.

Advances in limitations and opportunities of clean biofuel production to promote decarbonization

Factors such as higher fuel prices, limited and geologically posited fossil fuel resources along with the impact of fossil fuels on global warming are highly unsustainable for growing economies around the globe. For this reason, an unconventional sustainable energy root is desired. In recent years, biodiesel has gained much consideration because of its similar combustion properties like fossil fuels and its synthesis from edible and non-edible oils via a catalytic process. Various catalysts (homogeneous and heterogeneous in nature) have been investigated for sustainable and green production of biodiesel. The heterogeneous catalyst calcium oxide is an abundant, cheap and has a high activity for transesterification reaction. The review provides that there is strong need to focus on exploring the continuous heterogeneous nanoscale calcium oxide catalyst to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness biodiesel production technology. Calcium oxide catalytic activity can be improved by nanotechnology approach. This approach helps in the production of suitable catalyst at a low cost, minimizes the waste, and results in higher activity and selectivity for desired reaction. This study provides an overview on the literature existing on the preparation of nanosized-Calcium oxide (CaO), utilization for conversion of ester into biodiesel along, advantages over other heterogeneous catalysts and importance as a future catalyst for the production of biodiesel.

A comprehensive review on nanocatalysts and nanobiocatalysts for biodiesel production in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil and USA

Biodiesel is an alternative to fossil-derived diesel with similar properties and several environmental benefits. Biodiesel production using conventional catalysts such as homogeneous, heterogeneous, or enzymatic catalysts faces a problem regarding catalysts deactivation after repeated reaction cycles. Heterogeneous nanocatalysts and nanobiocatalysts (enzymes) have shown better advantages due to higher activity, recyclability, larger surface area, and improved active sites. Despite a large number of studies on this subject, there are still challenges regarding its stability, recyclability, and scale-up processes for biodiesel production. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to review current modifications and role of nanocatalysts and nanobiocatalysts and also to observe effect of various parameters on biodiesel production. Nanocatalysts and nanobiocatalysts demonstrate long-term stability due to strong Brønsted-Lewis acidity, larger active spots and better accessibility leading to enhancethe biodiesel production. Incorporation of metal supporting positively contributes to shorten the reaction time and enhance the longer reusability. Furthermore, proper operating parameters play a vital role to optimize the biodiesel productivity in the commercial scale process due to higher conversion, yield and selectivity with the lower process cost. This article also analyses the relationship between different types of feedstocks towards the quality and quantity of biodiesel production. Crude palm oil is convinced as the most prospective and promising feedstock due to massive production, low cost, and easily available. It also evaluates key factors and technologies for biodiesel production in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, and the USA as the biggest biodiesel production supply.

Advances in Biodiesel Production from Microalgae

Biofuels, as a renewable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective energy source, can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. The researchers considered different approaches for obtaining high biodiesel yields from microalgae biomass. This work aims to present an overview of the feasibility of microalgae use in biodiesel production. Therefore, biodiesel production from microalgae oil via the transesterification process was explained in detail. The application of non-catalytic transesterification and catalytic transesterification was reviewed. The achievements in the application of homogenous catalysts, heterogeneous catalysts, and enzymatic catalysts for microalgae oil transesterification were discussed. The present technologies for biodiesel production from microalgae need more improvements to increase their efficiencies and reduce costs. Therefore, future research should focus on the development of effective catalysts for biodiesel production from microalgae biomass.

Determination of active sites on the synthesis of novel Lewis acidic deep eutectic solvent catalysts and kinetic studies in microalgal biodiesel production.

Experimental and theoretical considerations for kinetic modeling of the transesterification reaction of microalgae lipids into biodiesel were investigated using Lewis acid deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as a catalyst. The acid sites involved in the reaction were characterized using acetonitrile as a probe to understand the mechanism. DES ChCl-SnCl2 (choline chloride-tin ii chloride) showed higher catalytic activity in transesterification due to its higher acidity compared to DES ChCl-ZnCl2 (choline chloride-zinc chloride). This was illustrated by geometric optimization of the DES structures through density functional theory (DFT) which showed that the metal centers furthest from the choline moiety are the most acidic and the bond lengths of Sn-Cl were between 2.56 and 2.77 Å, and were greater than the Zn-Cl bond lengths from 2.30 to 2.48 Å, making the ChCl-SnCl2 DES more acidic and more suitable for the biodiesel production. The fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) conversion from microalgae lipid was 36.75 mg g-1 under ideal conditions (6 molar ratio methanol-lipid with 8 vol% DES dosage in methanol at 140 °C for 420 min). The activation energy is found to be 36.3 kJ mol-1 based on the pseudo-first-order reaction, in addition, the DES catalyst (ChCl-SnCl2) drove the reaction chemically and did not show mass transfer limitation. Information from this study can help to advance the development of an efficient and environmentally friendly industrial biodiesel production technology.

Special Issue on “Biodiesel Production Processes and Technology”

Raw oils and fats cannot be directly used in modern diesel engines, as their viscosity is too high [...]

Approach to microalgal biodiesel production: Insight review on recent advancements and future outlook

AbstractThe environmental concerns about fossil energy and rising oil prices are regular global phenomena. In such an exigency where fossil fuel sources are dwindling, carbon‐neutral biodiesel derived from microalgae lipid seems to be an important renewable energy resource. In recent years, microalgae have become a lucrative feedstock for economically viability of commercial‐scale biofuel production owing to its high biomass growth and high oil yield compared with other crops. The screening and selection of promising microalgae strain should be based on their fatty acid profile and culture conditions. The laboratory to pilot scale culture of microalgae species requires systematic experimental designs to maximize microalgal growth using open or raceway ponds, closed photo bioreactors and hybrid systems. The pros and cons of each harvesting technique, including filtration, centrifugation, sedimentation and flocculation as well cell disruption by thermal, mechanical, chemical and biological techniques, are deliberated in details. Furthermore, the application of homogeneous, heterogeneous and enzyme catalysts in transesterification processes as well as purification technologies are emphasized to ensure high‐quality biodiesel production as per ASTM norms. Microalgae comprise a potential feedstock and biodiesel synthesis from them requires a series of complex up‐streaming and down‐stream processes which are inherently disadvantageous in technology transfer from laboratory to industrial scale. This review paper is mainly focused on microalgal cultivation, harvesting, oil extraction, biodiesel production and purification technologies, and each vital process is critically reviewed in each step. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

CURRENT TRENDS AND NEW PERSPECTIVES IN BIODIESEL PRODUCTION: A FOCUSED REVIEW ON INTERESTERIFICATION REACTION

The consumption of energy has risen to 12 billion tons/year due to the ever-increasing population and urbanization which has directly led to more energy demand. Hence, there is an obvious need for an alternative source of fuel energy. One of the best alternatives is the use of renewable fuel energy. Biodiesel is an example of a renewable fuel energy which is produced from biomass by different technologies such as direct blending of oil, emulsification, pyrolysis, and transesterification. However, the drawback of these methods has propelled research experts to persistently search for better technologies. Over the years, transesterification reaction methods have been globally identified for in biodiesel production. Nonetheless, its by-product named glycerol has limited its utilization in biodiesel production. Therefore, it has been reported that the integration of glycerol into biodiesel composition may be a better option. In this review, the latest biodiesel production technology discussed is the interesterification reaction. This method integrates the by-product (glycerol) by producing a glycerol free Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME), triacetin which is a useful fuel additive is produced instead. After the production of biodiesel and triacetin through the interesterification reaction route, there is always no need to separate both products which makes this process interestingly more sustainable and economical. The current trends of this production technology are also expounded. Keywords: Energy; FAME; Fuel; Interesterification; Triacetin

Current Technologies and Future Trends for Biodiesel Production: A Review

Current Technologies and Future Trends for Biodiesel Production: A Review

A review on biodiesel production from microalgae: Influencing parameters and recent advanced technologies.

Microalgae are the important part of carbon cycle in the nature, and they could utilize the carbon resource in water and soil efficiently. The abilities of microalgae to mitigate CO2 emission and produce oil with a high productivity have been proven. Hence, this third-generation biodiesel should be popularized. This review firstly introduce the basic characteristics and application fields of microalgae. Then, the influencing parameters and recent advanced technologies for the microalgae biodiesel production have been discussed. In influencing parameters for biodiesel production section, the factors of microalgae cultivation, lipid accumulation, microalgae harvesting, and lipid extraction have been summarized. In recent advanced technologies for biodiesel production section, the microalgae cultivation systems, lipid induction technologies, microalgae harvesting technologies, and lipid extraction technologies have been reviewed. This review aims to provide useful information to help future development of efficient and commercially viable technology for microalgae-based biodiesel production.

Application of Tubular Reactor Technologies for the Acceleration of Biodiesel Production.

The need to arrest the continued environmental contamination and degradation associated with the consumption of fossil-based fuels has continued to serve as an impetus for the increased utilization of renewable fuels. The demand for biodiesel has continued to escalate in the past few decades due to urbanization, industrialization, and stringent government policies in favor of renewable fuels for diverse applications. One of the strategies for ensuring the intensification, commercialization, and increased utilization of biodiesel is the adaptation of reactor technologies, especially tubular reactors. The current study reviewed the deployment of different types and configurations of tubular reactors for the acceleration of biodiesel production. The feedstocks, catalysts, conversion techniques, and modes of biodiesel conversion by reactor technologies are highlighted. The peculiarities, applications, merits, drawbacks, and instances of biodiesel synthesis through a packed bed, fluidized bed, trickle bed, oscillatory flow, and micro-channel tubular reactor technologies are discussed to facilitate a better comprehension of the mechanisms behind the technology. Indeed, the deployment of the transesterification technique in tubular reactor technologies will ensure the ecofriendly, low-cost, and large-scale production of biodiesel, a high product yield, and will generate high-quality biodiesel. The outcome of this study will enrich scholarship and stimulate a renewed interest in the application of tubular reactors for large-scale biodiesel production among biodiesel refiners and other stakeholders. Going forward, the use of innovative technologies such as robotics, machine learning, smart metering, artificial intelligent, and other modeling tools should be deployed to monitor reactor technologies for biodiesel production.

A Biodiesel Production Technology from Used Cooking Oil: A Review

Used cooking oil is widely considered waste because it can damage the environment and cause health problems. Meanwhile, used cooking oil can be used as a substitute raw material for Crude Palm Oil (CPO) in Indonesia's national biodiesel program. Indonesia has a remarkable ability to use used cooking oil as a raw material for making biodiesel. If the 1.2 million kiloliters of biodiesel made from CPO raw materials are exchanged with used cooking oil raw materials, it can save approximately Rp. 4.2 trillion. There are various process technologies in making biodiesel, including microemulsion, pyrolysis, and transesterification. Transesterification is a process in which triglycerides and methanol are reacted to create biodiesel and glycerol as a by-product. Transesterification using a homogeneous catalyst has advantages such as lower cost, relatively short processing time, and higher yield of biodiesel products. Transesterification using a homogeneous catalyst has the disadvantage of a more complex separation. This literature study aims to explain the method for biodiesel production and becomes a reference in terms of process selection in biodiesel manufacturing plants, especially from used cooking oil as raw material.

Classical vs. reactive distillation technologies for biodiesel production: An environmental comparison using LCA methodology

Sustainable fuels and technologies are expected to significantly contribute towards climate change mitigation considering that the transportation sector provides a 23% share out of the total CO2 emissions. Biodiesel is a green fuel produced by transesterification of triglycerides with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. The current study entails modelling and simulation of biodiesel production, through an acid transesterification process, using both classic and intensified methods, coupled with an environmental impact analysis performed following the Life Cycle Assessment methodology. The traditional biodiesel production consists in the synthesis and separation sections, while the intensified method is based on reactive distillation. ChemCAD software was used to simulate and evaluate the processes from a technical point of view. Methanol is generated using CO2 and H2, this method being considered as a new approach for CO2 utilization. Water electrolysis is employed for H2 generation, with either biomass or natural gas as power source. A cradle-to-gate environmental analysis is performed within the current research by means of GaBi software, considering the following system boundaries: i) upstream processes: catalyst supply chain, sunflower oil supply chain, natural gas supply chain, limestone extraction and decomposition, ii) main-processes: methanol and biodiesel production, iii) downstream processes: disposal of wastes. ReCiPe method was chosen as the impact assessment method. High purities for the main product and by-product are obtained (i.e., purities higher than 99%). The outcome of the process simulation points to the conclusion that the intensified path gives better performances from technical point of view. The environmental results show that the classic approach performs better when CO2 and H2 are used as raw materials, while reactive distillation displays a higher efficiency when natural gas is used as feedstock.