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Biodiesel
Biodiesel is an
alternative to petroleum-based diesel fuel and is produced by mixing
organically derived oils with alcohol (ethanol or methanol) in the
presence of a catalyst (sodium or potassium hydroxide) to form ethyl
or methyl ester. The production processes for biodiesel are well
known. There are three basic routes to biodiesel production from bio
oils (More
Info):
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Base catalyzed
transesterification of the oil;
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Direct acid
catalyzed transesterification of the oil; and
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Conversion of
the oil to its fatty acids and then to biodiesel.
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Most of the biodiesel today is produced using the base catalyzed
transesterification reaction. Biodiesel feeds tocks include Jatropha
oil, palm oil, soybean oil, Canola oil, animal fats, waste vegetable
oils, or micro algae oils.
Biodiesel can be used in blends or unblended in compression-ignition
engines, and has been proven to reduce emissions and improve engine
performance.
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