Biodiesel production from palm olein: A sustainable bioresource for Nigeria

Dangerous environmental consequences and market unpredictability of fossil fuels have necessitated the need for sustainable large-scale production of biofuel in Nigeria. Unrefined palm oil (UPO) is a significant product of commercially available oil palm plants in the country. This study experimentally investigates the production of biodiesel from refined, bleached and deodorised (RBD) palm olein extracted from UPO obtained from batch reactors. The transesterification process of the RBD palm olein with methanol and in the presence of potassium hydroxide (KOH) catalyst produced biodiesel with a 62.5% yield, thus confirming its feasibility for mass production. The derived biodiesel has properties equivalent to ASTM D792 standard for biodiesel fuels.

Conversion of waste cooking oil into biodiesel using heterogenous catalyst derived from cork biochar

In this study, a heterogeneous catalyst prepared by pyrolysis of waste cork (Quercus suber) was used for the transesterification of waste cooking oil (WCO). Physicochemical properties of the synthesized biochar catalyst were studied using BET, SEM, FTIR, and XRD. The experiment results demonstrate that heterogeneous catalyst synthesized at 600 °C showed maximum fatty acids methyl esters (FAMEs) conversion (98%) at alcohol:oil (25:1), catalyst loading (1.5% w/v) and temperature 65 °C. Biodiesel produced from WCO (Canola oil) mainly composed of FAMEs in following order C18:1 > C18:2 > C16:0 > C18:0 > C20:0. Properties of produced biodiesel were analysed as cetane number (CN) 50.56, higher heating value (HHV) 39.5, kinematic viscosity (ʋ) 3.9, and density (ρ) 0.87.

Flotation separation of polyethylene terephthalate from waste packaging plastics through ethylene glycol pretreatment assisted by sonication

The recycling of packaging plastics is hindered by the various plastic mixtures and their similar surface properties. Plastic separation is a key step to improve recycling efficiency of waste plastics. We proposed a simple and efficient protocol to separate polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene copolymer (ABS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by converting PET surface from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity. PET surface was modified by potassiumhydroxide (KOH)and ethylene glycol ((CH₂OH)₂) with the aid of sonication. Contact angle, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to research the reactions on PET surface. It can be confirmed that the reaction of base-catalyzed transesterification occurs, leading to a hydrophilic PET plastic. We investigated the effects of ultrasonic power, ultrasonic time, (CH₂OH)₂ dosage, KOH dosage, flotation time, and frother concentration on the flotation separation. The flotation recovery and purity of PET are 98.8% and 100%, respectively when (CH₂OH)₂ dosage is 10 mL, KOH dosage is 2 g, ultrasonic time is 5 min, ultrasonic intensity is 160 W, flotation time is 4 min, and frother concentration is 52.7 mg/L. This study provided a novel surface modification with reliable mechanisms for the flotation of PET from plastic mixtures.

Conversion of flaxseed oil into biodiesel using KOH catalyst: Optimization and characterization dataset

The dataset presented here are part of the data planned to produce biodiesel from flaxseed. Biodiesel production from flaxseed oil through transesterification process using KOH as catalyst, and the operating parameters were optimized with the help of face-centered central composite design (FCCD) of response surface methodology (RSM). The operating independent variables selected such as, methanol oil ratio (4:1 to 6:1), catalyst (KOH) weight (0.40-1.0%), temperature (35 °C-65 °C), and reaction time (30 min-60 min) were optimized against biodiesel yield as response. The maximum yield (98.6%) of biodiesel from flaxseed can achieved at optimum methanol oil ratio (5.9:1), catalyst (KOH) weight (0.51%), reaction temperature (59.2 °C), and reaction time (33 min). The statistical significance of the data set was tested through the analysis of variance (ANOVA). These data were the part of the results reported in "Optimization of process variables for biodiesel production by transesterification of flaxseed oil and produced biodiesel characterizations" Renewable Energy [1].

Production and use of immobilized lipases in/on nanomaterials: A review from the waste to biodiesel production

As a highly efficient and environmentally friendly biocatalyst, immobilized lipase has received incredible interest among the biotechnology community for the production of biodiesel. Nanomaterials possess high enzyme loading, low mass transfer limitation, and good dispersibility, making them suitable biocatalytic supports for biodiesel production. In addition to traditional nanomaterials such as nano‑silicon, magnetic nanoparticles and nano metal particles, novel nanostructured forms such as nanoflowers, carbon nanotubes, nanofibers and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have also been studied for biodiesel production in the recent years. However, some problems still exist that need to be overcome in achieving large-scale biodiesel production using immobilized lipase on/in nanomaterials. This article mainly presents an overview of the current and state-of-the-art research on biodiesel production by immobilized lipases in/on nanomaterials. Various immobilization strategies of lipase on various advanced nanomaterial supports and its applications in biodiesel production are highlighted. Influential factors such as source of lipase, immobilization methods, feedstocks, and production process are also critically discussed. Finally, the current challenges and future directions in developing immobilized lipase-based biocatalytic systems for high-level production of biodiesel from waste resources are also recommended.

Data on the use of virgin coconut oil and bioethanol produced from sugar palm sap as raw materials for biodiesel synthesis

These data describe the use of virgin oil from coconuts (Cocos nucifera) and bioethanol from the sap of sugar palms (Arenga pinnata) as raw materials for biodiesel synthesis. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) was produced using mechanical techniques and was fermented without heating, while bioethanol was obtained from the distillation/redistillation of sugar palm sap (SPS), which was fermented spontaneously. Biodiesel was obtained by refluxing VCO and SPS bioethanol with a potassium hydroxide (KOH) transesterification catalyst for 3 hours. The results of the reaction were tested by determining the physical and chemical properties as well as by identifying the main components of biodiesel by spectroscopy. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) chromatogram data and spectrum identification results show that ethanol from the distillation/redistillation of spontaneously fermented SPS can be used as a reagent in biodiesel synthesis.

UPLC-ELSD Analysis of Algal Lipid Classes and Derivatization of Bound and Free Fatty Acids and Sterols for GC-MS Methods

Constituents of microalgae and sample preparation for UPLC-ELSD and GC-MS analyses are described. Bound fatty acids from acylglycerols, alkylacylglycerols, galactosyldiacylglycerols, glycerophospholipids, and sterol esters are derivatized by using transesterification with sodium methoxide to form fatty acid methyl esters. Compounds containing free hydroxyl groups, either present originally or formed during previous step, like free fatty acids, sterols, α-tocopherol, phytol, and nonesterified alkoxyglycerols, are trimethylsilylated. The compounds in algal lipid extract are subsequently derivatized by these two steps.

Synergy of biofuel production with waste remediation along with value-added co-products recovery through microalgae cultivation: A review of membrane-integrated green approach

Development of advanced biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel from renewable resources is critical for the earth's sustainable management and to slow down the global climate change by partial replacement of gasoline and diesel in the transport sector. Being a diverse group of aquatic micro-organisms, algae are the most prominent resources on the planet, distributed in an aquatic system, a potential source of bioenergy, biomass and secondary metabolites. Microalgae-based biofuel production is widely accepted as non-food fuel sources and better choice for achieving goals of incorporation of a clean fuel source into the transportation sector. The present review article provides a comprehensive literature survey as well as a novel approach on the application of microalgae for their simultaneous cultivation and bioremediation of high nutrient containing wastewater. In addition to that, merits and demerits of different existing conventional techniques for microalgae culture reactors, harvesting of algal biomass, oil recovery, use of different catalysts for transesterification reactions and other by-products recovery have been discussed and compared with the membrane-based system to find out the best optimal conditions for higher biomass as well as lipid yield. This article also deals with the use of a tailor-made membrane in an appropriate module that can be used in upstream and downstream processes during algal-based biofuels production. Such membrane-integrated system has the potential of low-cost and eco-friendly separation, purification and concentration enrichment of biodiesel as well as other valuable algal by-products which can bring the high degree of process intensification for scale-up at the industrial stage.

Immobilization of bacterial feruloyl esterase on mesoporous silica particles and enhancement of synthetic activity by hydrophobic-modified surface

Here, we demonstrated the immobilization of bacterial feruloyl esterase (FAE) from Butyrivibrio sp. XPD2006, Lactobacillus crispatus, Butyrivibrio sp. AE2015, Ruminococcus albus, Cellulosilyticum ruminicola and Clostridium cellulovorans on SBA-15 and their ability to synthesize butyl ferulate (BFA). The BFae2 from Butyrivibrio sp. XPD2006 showed the best catalytic efficiency. High BFA yield was produced when the immobilization of BFae2 took place with a high protein loading and narrow pore sized SBA-15, suggesting alteration of enzyme behavior due to the crowding environment in SBA-15. Grafting of SBA-15 with octyl moieties led to shrinking pore size and resulted in 2.5-fold increment of BFA activity compared to the free enzyme and 70%mol BFA was achieved. The BFae2 encapsulated in hydrophobic-modified SBA-15 endured up to seven reaction cycles while the BFA activity remained above 60%. This is the first report showing the superior performance of hydrophobic-modified surface to entrap FAE to produce fatty phenolic esters.

Synthesis of n-butyl acetate via reactive distillation column using Candida Antarctica lipase as catalyst

The reactive distillation process for the synthesis of n-butyl acetate via transesterification of ethyl acetate with n-butyl alcohol catalyzed by immobilized lipase was simulated and experimentally tested in this work. Based on the reaction kinetics, a reactive distillation process model was developed. The effects of theoretical stages number in the reaction section, the rectifying section and stripping section, reflux ratio, feed molar ratio and relative feed position on the transesterification distillation process were investigated. The transesterification of ethyl acetate with n-butyl alcohol was carried out in a small-scale reactive distillation column. The results showed that the optimal operating conditions are as follows: reaction section stages were 13, rectifying section stages were six, stripping section stages were five, reflux ratio was 1, mole ratio of ethyl acetate and n-butanol was 3:1, the feeding positions of n-butanol and ethyl acetate were at the top and bottom of the reaction section, respectively. Compared to the batch reaction with only 60% conversion of n-butanol, the reactive distillation column can improve the conversion of n-butanol (up to 93.6%).At the same time, the experiment verified that the conversion of n-butanol could still reach 72.5%, after the lipase-loaded packing storage in the reaction system at 70 °C for 120 days.

Process dynamic investigations and emission analyses of biodiesel produced using Sr-Ce mixed metal oxide heterogeneous catalyst

The present study explores the feasibility of Sr-Ce based mixed metal oxides for its performance in transesterification reaction of waste cooking oil. The catalyst synthesis was carried out through gel combustion route and was characterized through several techniques including thermal analysis (TGA-DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflectance based Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) assisted with EDX, BET specific surface area and Hammett indicator basicity. The enhanced activity of the catalyst was investigated at pH 7.0 with Sr-Ce atomic ratio of 3:1 at 900 °C of calcination temperature. Influences of various process parameters on transesterification efficiency were carefully investigated. The experimental results demonstrated that maximum transesterification efficacy of 99.5% was achieved under optimized reaction conditions with catalyst dose of 2.0 wt %, oil-to-methanol ratio 1:14, reaction time 120 min, reaction temperature 65 °C and stirring speed of 700 rpm. For better interpretation of the process, the reaction rate was computed by employing pseudo-first and pseudo-second order kinetics model at varying reaction temperature (50 °C-75 °C). The transesterification data agreed well with pseudo-first order model with highest rate constant value of 2.5 × 10^-3 min^-1 was evaluated at 65 °C. Activation energy and frequency of the reaction was quantified from the Arrhenius expression as 17.04 kJ/mol and 9.92 min^-1, respectively. Thermodynamic analysis of the reaction system suggests that the transesterification of the waste cooking oil followed endergonic reaction pathway. Synthesis of biodiesel was ascertained from the H¹-NMR and FTIR analysis of the transesterified product, further, the physicochemical properties of the biodiesel were also compared with that of diesel fuel and the resultant values were found to be within ASTM limits. Reusability study was also conducted and it indicated that the catalyst can be easily regenerated and could be effectively reused up to four runs.

Enzymatic synthesis of structured lipids enriched with conjugated linoleic acid and butyric acid: strategy consideration and parameter optimization

Structured lipids (SLs) rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and butyric acid with functions of low calorie and weight loss were synthesized in this study. By comparison of different synthetic routes, transesterification of CLA ethyl ester (CLAee) and tributyrin under vacuum was determined as the best method. The reaction conditions for SL synthesis were screened and the best conditions were as follows: Novozym 435 as the catalyst, enzyme load 6 wt%, temperature 60 °C, substrate molar ratio 2:1 (CLAee/tributyrin), water activity 0.68, reaction time 80 min. Under these conditions, the final product contained 97.5% of SLs, in which the contents of dibutyl-conjugated linoleoyl-glycerol and butyl-diconjugated linoleoyl-glycerol were 78.4% and 19.1%, respectively. The reusability evaluation indicated that the lipase could be reused at least 17 times. The obtained SLs with functions of both fatty acids could replace natural oil in food for inhibition of obesity and thus have great potential for commercial applications.

Biodiesel synthesis from microalgae (Anabaena PCC 7120) by using barium titanium oxide (Ba2TiO4) solid base catalyst

In this study, Anabaena PCC 7120 microalgae is used as feedstock for biodiesel synthesis. Anabaena 7120 was cultivated in a closed photobioreactor. Oil was extracted by cell disruption process and purified by degumming process. Anabaena oil was characterized by GCMS spectroscopy. Barium titanium oxide (Ba₂TiO₄) heterogeneous catalyst was prepared by wet impregnation process and characterized through various techniques such as TGA, XRD, FTIR, HR-SEM, EDX and surface area analyzer. Basicity of synthesized catalyst was calculated by Hammett indicator titration method. The synthesized Ba₂TiO₄ was used in transesterification of Anabaena oil for biodiesel production and it was reused up to six cycles. The highest FAME conversion from anabaena oil was found to be 98.41% under optimized condition of 1:18 M ratio (oil:methanol), 3.5 wt% of catalyst loading and 180 min of reaction time at 65 °C temperature and 400 rpm stirring speed.

Data set on optimization of ethyl ester production from sapota seed oil

This article presents the data set of experimental investigation on extraction, characterization, and optimization of ethyl ester yield from sapota seed oil. The seeds were collected, dried and shells were removed. Oil was extracted by mini wooden cold press oil extraction machine and found 26% oil content. The raw oil was characterized, fatty acid contents and physicochemical properties were estimated. The ethyl ester yield was optimized using full factorial experimental design. Three key factors were selected with three levels each. 27 experiments were conducted with three trials of each experiment. The physicochemical properties of the sapota seed oil ethyl ester were determined based on the ASTM standards and data was also presented in this data article.

Dataset on optimized biodiesel production from seeds of Vitis vinifera using ANN, RSM and ANFIS

This dataset disclose the investigational data on the extraction of bio-oil from seeds of Vitis vinifera through combination of mechanical pressing and soxhlet solvent extractor. Biodiesel is produced through single stage base catalysed transesterification process due to lower free fatty acid content in the Vitis vinifera bio-oil. Independent variable process parameters like molar ratio, reaction time and catalyst concentration are optimized using Artificial Neural Network, Response Surface Methodology and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Interference System to predict the maximum biodiesel yield and the results are compared with the experimental data. Response Surface Methodology predicted a maximum Vitis vinifera biodiesel yield of 97.62% at methanol to oil molar ratio 0.2758 v/v, catalyst concentration 1.045 gm of NaOH and reaction duration of 1.11 hrs which is also confirmed with experimental results.

Preparation and characterization of animal bone powder impregnated fly ash catalyst for transesterification

The present work reconnoitres the feasibility of utilizing class F fly ash and calcined animal bone powder (CABP) as raw material for the synthesis of heterogeneous solid base catalyst with varying ratios (CABP of 10, 20, and 30 mass%), that is subsequently used for transesterification of mustard oil. Physicochemical characterization of CABP revealed crystalline behavior, signifying one of the components as hydroxyapatite (HAP); when calcined at 900 °C transforms to β-tricalcium phosphate having a specific surface area of 100 m² g^-1. The synthesized catalyst showed improved catalytic activity when compared to the parental species and the optimal value to achieve the highest conversion of 90.4% would be at CABP loading of 10 mass%, 5.5:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, and 10 mass% catalyst concentration for 6 h. The prepared biodiesel had a calorific value of 36.2 MJ kg^-1 with ash content < 0.01 mass%. The catalyst could be reused five times with no loss in its activity. Results indicated that calcium enriched waste materials when impregnated in fly ash might be a potential source of catalyst in biodiesel production.

Biodiesel synthesis from fish waste via thermally-induced transesterification using clay as porous material

The valorization of organic waste through biodiesel synthesis was investigated to explore the concept of hazardous waste-to-energy. Fish waste (mackerel waste) was chosen as a case study because of the growing concern regarding the treatment of food waste, which is potentially hazardous to the environment. This study focused on the thermally-induced transesterification of fish waste for the production of biodiesel (i.e., fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs)). This process requires a porous material that allows for the collision between reactants (fish waste and methanol) to increase inside its pores at high temperatures. Therefore, commercial clay (montmorillonite) was used as the porous material in this study. The optimal temperature for the thermally-induced transesterification of unpurified mackerel oil was 380 °C, and the FAME recovery reached up to ˜72 wt.%. This study also proved that thermal cracking of polyunsaturated FAME species was initiated at temperatures ≥390 °C, and that fish waste is a promising feedstock for biodiesel when it is produced via thermally-induced transesterification over clay as a porous material.

Biodiesel production from microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata using heterogeneous Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) encapsulated ZnOMn2+ nanocatalyst

In this present work nanocomposite composed of Mn-ZnO capped with Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) was utilized as heterogeneous catalyst for the transesterification of oil extracted from Nannochloropsis oculata into biodiesel using methanol as an acyl acceptor. The synthesized Mn-ZnO novel nanocomposite capped with Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) was characterized by using SEM and XRD. Lipid contents from the microalgae were extracted by sonication and biphasic solvent method. The process parameters involved for heterogeneous catalysis of N. oculata to biodiesel were optimized and found to be oil to methanol molar ratio of 1:15 (mol:mol), catalyst loading 3.5% (w/w) and reaction temperature of 60 °C for 4 h of reaction time by Response Surface Method. The reusability studies showed that the nano-catalyst can be reused efficiently for 4 cycles. The yield of biodiesel obtained from N. oculata species using Mn-ZnO nanocomposite capped with PEG was 87.5%.

Influence on the effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles as an additive with Mimusops elengi methyl ester in a CI engine

The current investigation has been aimed at the effective utilization of the alternative renewable feedstock towards propelling the diesel engine. A novel alternative feedstock, which is abundantly present in the south of India, Mimusops elengi was identified for this present investigation. The study was initiated with 20% of Mimusops elengi and methyl ester (B₂₀) was blended with fossil diesel fuel on a volume basis. Moreover, it was observed that on the trade-off between the performance characteristics; the emission quantity was marginally higher. Concentrating on the environmental pollution caused by the diesel engine, an oxygenated nano additive, titanium oxide, was doped with the base fuel at different mass fractions of 25, 50, 75, and 100 parts per million (ppm). The result observed states that B₂₀ with 25 ppm of titanium oxide nanoparticle (B₂₀ + 25 ppm) established a 3.60% improvement in BTE (brake thermal efficiency) as equated with B₂₀; furthermore, it resulted in 14.2% and 17.4% reduction in hydrocarbon and smoke emission, respectively, though it resulted in a marginal penalty of 14.72% in NO_x.

Production and characterization of bio-mix fuel produced from the mixture of raw oil feedstock, and its effects on performance and emission analysis in DICI diesel engine

Bio-mix is a fuel derived from the raw mixture of different non-edible oils to enhance the saturation level. In this study, raw oil mixture was transesterified to form bio-mix methyl ester (BMME). Fuel properties of BMME was measured and results showed that saturated fatty acids (SFA), cetane number (CN), and oxidation stability (OS) were increased, whereas density, viscosity, HHV, flash point, iodine number, and acid number were decreased for BMME as compared to individual biodiesels. Brake specific energy consumption (BSEC) of BMME was higher than diesel fuel but similar to individual biodiesel, while brake thermal efficiency (BTE) was lower than diesel fuel but higher than the individual biodiesel. (NO_x) and CO₂ emission of BMME was found lower (approximately 20%); meanwhile, smoke opacity and CO emission biodiesel increased compared to diesel fuel, whereas (HC) emission of BMME was lower at low load condition but it is increased at high load. Bio-mix fuel could be the good replacement of diesel fuel.

Synergism of clay with zinc oxide as nanocatalyst for production of biodiesel from marine Ulva lactuca

In the present work, Ulva lactuca, a marine macroalgae was used for the production of biodiesel. The ultrasound assisted extraction of oil from autoclaved algal biomass was found effective with maximum yield. The maximum oil was extracted at optimal conditions of 5% moisture content of algal biomass, 0.15 mm size of biomass, 6:1 solvent: solid ratio, at 55 °C in 140 min. The n-hexane with co-solvent methyl tertbutyl ether has shown higher oil when compared to other co-solvents. The extracted oil was transesterified into biodiesel using silica doped with zinc oxide as novel heterogeneous nanocatalyst. The maximum biodiesel yield of 97.43% was obtained at optimized conditions of 800 °C calcination temperature, 8% catalyst concentration, 9:1 methanol to oil ratio, 55 °C reaction temperature and 50 min reaction time. The kinetics of the transesterification reaction was also studied. The Ulva lactuca was found as a potential source for biodiesel production.

Qualitative and Quantitative Estimation of Bacterial Lipid Production

An ever increasing energy demand and fast depletion of fossil fuels have led to increased consideration of bacterial lipids as a renewable biofuel source. Many methods are available for both physical and chemical extraction of bacterial lipids. The method of choice will depend on the nature of sample to be analyzed, combinations of solvent systems preferred, content and quality of the lipid to be analyzed, types of equipment available, and time of the extraction procedures employed. Here we describe the most reliable, routine method of extracting bacterial lipids and evaluating the growth kinetic parameters like biomass and lipid productivity and lipid content. We also describe the method of comparing bacterial fatty acid methyl ester peaks with standard peaks for analysis.

Transesterification of waste cooking oil using pyrolysis residue supported eggshell catalyst

The present study focusses on synthesis and characterization of eggshell supported pyrolysis residue (char) as a heterogeneous base catalyst for transesterification of waste cooking oil (WCO). The influence of structural, compositional, and morphological properties on catalytic activity to optimize reaction time, methanol: oil molar ratio (6:1, 9:1, 12:1, 15:1 and 18:1), and catalyst concentration (10, 20, and 30 mass%) in biodiesel production from WCO were evaluated. The particle size distribution of pyrolysis residue, calcined eggshell, and the synthesized catalyst was in the range of 0.06 to 14 μm. The decomposition of eggshell revealed a two-stage mass loss from 300 to 900 °C indicating the formation of CaO and CO₂ from CaCO₃. WCO methyl ester with higher conversion rate over 95% was observed at 65 °C using 10 mass% catalyst concentration with methanol to oil molar ratio of 12:1 in 3 h. The calorific value of WCO methyl ester was 38.4 MJ kg^-1, with kinematic viscosity of 4.5 cSt, and had lower thermal stability when compared to raw WCO. The estimated apparent activation energy for WCO, and WCO methyl ester was 133.1 and 63.9 kJ mol^-1, respectively. The synthesized catalyst displays improved surface area and catalytic activity in comparison with unsupported eggshell catalyst.

A Low-Cost, Well-Designed Catalytic System Derived from Household Waste "Egg Shell": Applications in Organic Transformations

A waste feedstock-derived economical basic alternative catalyst is described in this review. Eggshell is one of the household wastes created in tons of weight daily. Therefore, in order to reduce the environmental pollution-related problems, its use in heterogeneous catalysis can be attributed as a great contribution for the chemical and material science society to carry out several known reactions and for the much-needed energy alternative biodiesel production as low-cost catalytic system. Keeping green chemistry in mind, industrial use of these catalysts may also reduce the use of other traditionally used high-cost chemical catalytic systems.

Conversion of Microbial Lipids to Biodiesel and Basic Lab Tests for Analysis of Fuel-Quality Parameters

This chapter describes lab-scale procedures for the direct conversion of microbial lipids to fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) for use as biodiesel fuel. Methods for the gas chromatography analysis of FAME profiles and equations to predict several fuel-quality parameters are detailed herein. This chapter also provides a complete list summarizing each of the fuel quality tests (e.g., sample size and equipment) that are required by ASTM International D6751 regulations for pure biodiesel fuel (B100) or blend stock. Recommendations for the decolorization of microbial lipid sources containing pigments are also included. This resource should provide a guide to basic conversion and characterization of microbial-derived biodiesel fuels and a roadmap for more-detailed testing required to assess commercial feasibility.