Module 2: Production and Manufacturing

2 Objective Upon the successful completion of this module, participants will be able to describe the process involved in the production of biodiesel.

3 Introduction  Biodiesel used to reduce high fuel prices & global warming  Plants increasing across country  Easy enough to make many people choose to do it at home

Transesterification  Plant oils have chemical structure altered through use of alcohol & chemical catalyst: –Thins & clarifies oil enough to be usable in engines  Plant oils & animal fats heated & alcohol & catalyst added  Mixed & allowed to settle 4

Transesterification  Settles in 2 or 3 layers: –Top layer:  Biodiesel (ester) –Middle layer:  Soap compound –Bottom layer:  Glycerin 5 Property of DOE, reprinted with permission

Components  Feedstock: –Examples  Alcohol: –Reasons why methanol alcohol of choice  Catalysts  Co-products: –Biodiesel & glycerin 6 Property of DOE, reprinted with permission

Production Facilities  Home brewing: –Local codes & ordinances  Safety regulations for commercial facilities 7 Property of DOE, reprinted with permission

Hazards of Biodiesel Production  Greatest hazard from chemicals needed to produce biodiesel: –Methanol –Sodium hydroxide –Potassium hydroxide 8

Summary  Transesterification process  Biodiesel safe to use, dangerous to manufacture  Chemicals used in transesterification process more hazardous than final product  Home breweries 9