Biofuel and biodiesel

Biofuel transformation processes

First generation

Second generation

Introduction: What is Biodiesel?

• A diesel fuel replacement produced from vegetable oils or animal fats through the chemical process of transesterification– Mono-alkyl esters

• Biodiesel can be used in any diesel motor in any percent from 0-100% with little or no modifications to the engine

The Chemistry of Biodiesel

• All fats and oils consist of triglycerides– Glycerol/glycerine = alcohol– 3 fatty acid chains (FA)

• Transesterification describes the reaction where glycerol is replaced with a lighter and less viscous alcohol– e.g. Methanol or ethanol

• A catalyst (KOH or NaOH) is needed to break the glycerol-FA bonds

Transesterification (the biodiesel reaction)

Fatty Acid Chain

Glycerol

Methanol (or Ethanol)

One triglyceride molecule is converted into three mono alkyl ester (biodiesel) molecules

Biodiesel

Triglyceride

Advantages of Biodiesel

• Biodegradable• Non-toxic• Favorable Emissions Profile• Renewable• Carbon Neutrality

Advantages of Biodiesel

• Requires no engine modifications (except replacing some fuel lines on older engines).

• Can be blended in any proportion with petroleum diesel fuel.

• High cetane number and excellent lubricity.• Very high flashpoint (>300°F)• Can be made from waste restaurant oils and animal

fats

Two types of energy sources

• Non-renewable– Oil– Natural gas– Coal

• Renewable• Solar energy• Hydro power• Biofuel• Biomass• Tidal energy• Wind energy• Geothermal• Nuclear energy

Biofuel

• A biofuel is a type of fuel whose energy is derived from biological carbon fixation.

• In other words, fuel which produced from renewable biological resources such as plant biomass and treated municipal and industrial waste.

• 11. WHY BIOFUELS?• To reduce our dependence on fossil fuels • To reduce reliance on foreign oil • To lower emissions of greenhouse gases • To bring business to rural economics • ADVANTAGES OF BIOFUELS 1.There is no emission of hazardous gases2.Locally available in every region of the world.3.Friendly with the environment, so they do not cause global warming4.The energy release per unit mass of biofuel is greater than the energy

released from the unit mass of fossil fuels.

TWO METHODS TO FORM BIOFUEL

• A) SUGAR CROPS AND STARCH ARE GROWN AND THROUGH PROCESSOF FERMENTATION, ETHANOL IS PRODUCED.

• B) PLANTS ARE GROWN NATURALLY TO PRODUCE OIL LIKE ALGAE.-

• OILS ARE HEATED TO REDUCE VISCOSITY, THEN DIRECTLY USE AS FUEL FOR DIESEL ENGINES

Types of biofuel

• 16. THEY CAN BE DIVIDED INTO THREE CATEGORIES • First generation biofuel – Made from sugar, starch, and vegetable oil.

• Second generation biofuel – Made from non-edible plant materials.

• Third generation biofuel – Made from algae and microbes.

• ADVANTAGES OF BIODIESEL Biodiesel can be termed clean fuel as it does not contain carcinogens and its sulphur content is also lesser than the mineral diesel. It possesses high biodegradability and lubricating property Improves engine efficiency and operating life cycle. Domestic resource, Readily mixes with petroleum diesel fuel in any ratio Higher flash point makes it safer in transport and storage; Greatly reduces particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions.

• 26. DISADVANTAGES OF BIODIESELHigher production cost.Biodiesel is more likely than petroleum dieselto attract moisture.Poor low temperature properties.