Optimization of Sustainable Biodiesel Washing Process from an Appropriate Technology Based Approach for Developing Regions

The production of energy in the form of liquid fuels like
biodiesel derived from vegetable oils has been carried out around the world for
decades. Tropical regions in particular are rich in biobased
resources, such as oil seeds, allowing for a low-tech Appropriate Technology
(AT) based approach. However, there has been a serious oversight in the
development of AT based processes for producing and purifying biodiesel in
rural or remote regions of developing countries.  Removal of the soap
produced as a side product of the transesterification
reaction presents a major challenge for AT based processes.  The surface
chemistry and interfacial interactions between the soap and biodiesel,
particularly the formation of an emulsion layer must be well understood in
order for an AT process to be developed.  This presentation will focus on
solving this key challenge in the production of biodiesel in a manner that is
sustainable for underdeveloped regions.