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Transportation and Storage of Biodiesel

Introduction

Biodiesel that leaves the production plant in good condition can become unacceptable during distribution without proper care and attention. Biodiesel can degrade due to oxidation, contact with water, and/or microbial activity.

In general, biodiesel will degrade more quickly than petro-diesel. In one sense, this is a good thing: a biodiesel spill will biodegrade quickly and not cause as many environmental problems as a petro-diesel spill. Nevertheless, both fuels will eventually degrade, and the same good housekeeping practices that apply …

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Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) for Biofuel Production

Mature stand of switchgrass in its third year of production at Michigan State University. Photo: Dennis Pennington.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a native warm-season grass that is a leading biomass crop in the United States. More than 70 years of experience with switchgrass as a hay and forage crop suggest switchgrass will be productive and sustainable on rain-fed marginal land east of the 100th meridian. Long-term plot trials and farm-scale studies in the Great Plains and plot trials in the …

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Sweet Sorghum for Biofuel Production

Sweet sorghum can be used the the production of biofuels in two ways. The stalk and seed are used directly for biomass energy and their high sugar content allows them to be fermented to make ethanol.

Sweet sorghum. Photo: Dennis Pennington, Bioenergy Educator, Michigan State University.

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Introduction

Sweet sorghum was first introduced into the United States in 1852. Isaac Hedges called it …

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Subtropical Crops for Biofuel Production

Several perennial grass species, such as energycane  are being assessed for their biomass energy potential.

Energy cane research on muck soils in Florida. Photo: Extension Farm Energy.

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Subtropical Perennial Grasses for Energy

Numerous subtropical and tropical perennial grasses are being evaluated for use as a biomass energy feedstock. Among them, Energycane (Saccharum spp.), giant reedgrass (Arundo donax), elephantgrass/Napier grass (Pennisetum spp.), and erianthus (…

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Saponification in Biodiesel Production

Introduction to Saponification

Saponification is a chemical reaction that involves the production of a metal salt or soap. The reaction involves the attack on a methyl ester, free fatty acid, triglyceride, or other glyceride by a hydroxide ion, –OH.

The hydroxide ion implies the presence of water in the system. If water could be eliminated, then there would be no soap formation. However, this is a practical impossibility. There is always some water present, and there will always be …

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Safe Chemical Handling in Biodiesel Production

Introduction

Biodiesel is a relatively safe product. It is considered nonflammable and biodegradable. However, the components to make biodiesel can be hazardous in some situations. Biodiesel is made by reacting vegetable oil or animal fat with an alcohol (methanol or ethanol) and a catalyst (sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide). Sulfuric and hydrochloric acids are also used in biodiesel production. Methanol, the catalysts, and the acids are toxic chemicals.
 

Methanol is colorless and tasteless and can cause blindness or death if …

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Reactors for Biodiesel Production

Introduction

Three general types of reactors are used for biodiesel production: batch reactors, semi-continuous-flow reactors, and continuous-flow reactors.

The batch process is inexpensive, requiring much less initial capital and infrastructure investment. It is flexible and allows the user to accommodate variations in feedstock type, composition, and quantity. The major drawbacks of the batch process include low productivity, larger variation in product quality, and more intensive labor and energy requirements.

The semi-continuous process is similar to the batch process except that …

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Rapeseed and Canola for Biodiesel Production

Oil from rapeseed or canola seed, the edible crop varieties, is used in biodiesel energy production. The oil has a low cloud point so it gels at lower temperatures than many other feedstocks.
Canola plants growing at Tennessee State University research farm. Photo: Jason de Koff, Extension Assistant Professor, Tennessee State University.

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Rapeseed

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Processing Oilseeds and Oil for Biodiesel Production

How Should Oilseeds Be Processed before Pressing?

Extraneous material should first be removed from the harvested crop seed by screening. This is particularly important to ensure that materials such as small stones are removed prior to crushing and extraction. The seed should also be passed over a magnet to remove metal pieces.

Processors sometimes heat the seeds prior to processing to increase the oil yield. When pressing for fuel production, it is possible to use engine exhaust to warm the …

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Oilseed Handling for Biodiesel Production

Introduction

Many types of oil-bearing seeds and nuts can be used to make biodiesel. Commonly used feedstocks for the production of biodiesel include soybean, rapeseed/canola, used (waste) vegetable oils, and tallow/lard (animal fat). Mustard biodiesel is being studied at the University of Idaho, and Montana State University is conducting research on camelina for biodiesel production. Safflower, sunflowers, corn, and even hazelnut produce oil that could be used for biodiesel. Warm-climate tree oils such as palm oil, coconut, and …

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