New Uses for Crude Glycerin from Biodiesel Production

Introduction

Glycerol (also known as glycerin) is a major byproduct in the biodiesel manufacturing process. In general, for every 100 pounds of biodiesel produced, approximately 10 pounds of crude glycerol are created. As the biodiesel industry is rapidly expanding, a glut of crude glycerol is being created. Because this glycerol is expensive to purify for use in the food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetics industries, biodiesel producers must seek alternative methods for its disposal. Various methods for disposal and utilization of this …

Algae for Biofuel Production

Research is examining microalgae, 20 to 80 percent oil by dry weight biomass, as a biofuel energy crop. Learn about algae production in ponds and photobioreactors, yields, costs and challenges to this exciting new feedstock for biodiesel production.

Biofuel research on algae. Photo: Farm Energy Community of Practice

Contents

Introduction

Algae are organisms that …