Optimization of Low Cost Biodiesel Washing Process from Locally Sourced

Materials for sub-Saharan Africa

Using vegetable oils to produce biodiesel is a common practice around the world. However, most techniques for producing biodiesel rely on sophisticated production methods that arenâ??t appropriate for rural or remote regions of developing countries. Tropical regions such as those found in the country of Cameroon in sub-Saharan Africa are usually rich in biological resources, namely oil seeds. Many villages have limited technical resources, so a low-tech appropriate technology based approach is required. This presentation will focus on solving a significant challenge in the production of biodiesel from vegetable oil â?? removing the soap produced as a side product of the transesterification reaction â?? in a manner that is simple and cost effective for underdeveloped regions. The interfacial properties of soap and
biodiesel are the basis of the wash method developed by this research. Evaluation of locally available resources for producing different wash additives was tested by
varying pH and settling time, to yield the optimal washing process. Fermented pineapple vinegar and white vinegar were used at different concentrations, employing a statistical analysis to test the wash quality of the biodiesel. The project described herein has been developed by the University of Kentucky Appropriate Technology and Sustainability (UKATS) Research Team in collaboration with the
African Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology (ACREST), an
NGO in Bangang, Village Cameroon. Further, the implementation of this process by a student team in Bangang Village, Cameroon in sub-Saharan Africa will be described.