Supercritical transesterification of vegetable oil and ethanol: temperature and residence time effects on phase formation and water content

Supercritical transesterification has emerged as a readily available alternative for biodiesel production since no catalyst is required, thereby generating fewer waste products. In this research, the supercritical transesterification of refined vegetable oil and aqueous ethanol was carried out at temperatures 400 to 480 °C and a 12:1 ethanol to oil molar ratio, to assess the effect of temperature and residence time in the formation of a homogeneous phase, effluent appearance and increased water content derived from glycerol etherification. The results showed that water was produced at temperatures higher than 400 °C, as expected from the occurrence of glycerol etherification, and that prolonged times resulted in gas and soot formation, indicating esters decomposition. Through water mass balances, it was possible to identify the set of operation conditions in which the water formed from glycerol etherification matched with the maximum expected according to the proposed reaction scheme.

La transesterificación supercrítica se ha propuesto como una alternativa para la producción de biodiesel ya que no requiere catalizador de esta manera se generan menos residuos. En esta investigación, la transesterificación supercrítica de aceite vegetal refinado y etanol acuoso se llevó a cabo a temperaturas en el rango 400 a 480 °C y relación molar etanol a aceite de 12:1, para evaluar el efecto de la temperatura y el tiempo de residencia en la formación de una fase homogénea, apariencia del efluente e incremento del contenido de agua resultado de las reacciones de eterificación del glicerol. Los resultados mostraron que se produjo agua a temperaturas mayores a 400°C, atribuida a la eterificación del glicerol, y que tiempos de residencia prolongados resultaron en formación de gas y hollín, indicativo de reacciones de descomposición de esteres. A través de balances de masa, fue posible identificar el conjunto de condiciones de operación a las cuales el agua formada por la eterificación del glicerol coincide con el valor máximo esperado de acuerdo con el esquema de reacción propuesto.

A transesterificação supercrítica foi proposta como uma alternativa para a produção de biodiesel porque não requer catalisador e, dessa forma, gera menos resíduos. Nesta pesquisa, a transesterificação supercrítica de aceite vegetal refinado e etanol acuoso foi conduzida a temperaturas entre 400 e 480 °C e uma relação molar de etanol e aceite de 12: 1, para avaliar o efeito da temperatura e do tempo de residência na formação de uma fase homogênea, apariência do efluente e aumento do conteúdo de água resultante das reações de eterificação do glicerol. Os resultados mostraram que se produziu água a temperaturas maiores que 400°C, atribuída à eterificação do glicerol, e que os tempos de residência prolongados resultaram na formação de gás e hollín, indicativo de reações de decomposição de ésteres. Por meio de balanças de massa, foi possível identificar o conjunto de condições de operação em que a água formada pela eterificação do glicerol coincide com o valor máximo esperado de acordo com o esquema de reação proposto.

Effects of Aloe Vera Biodiesel Blends with TiO2 on the Emission and Performance Characteristics of a DI Diesel Engine

Concerns about the effect of activities that need the use of alternative fuels, as well as a growth in demand for clean energy, have made biofuels research more well-known, and so began the search for oilseed plants that can be used to make biodiesel. Present research was carried out the aloe vera oil is used as a biodiesel in diesel engine. Because aloe vera oil having higher calorific value compare to other sources. Potassium hydroxide catalyst was used for transesterification process, which has lesser cost and more availability. And also, in this work conducted diesel engine experiments using four different biodiesel blends (B20, B40, B60, B100) and diesel fuel. Additionally, to reduce the emission nano particles (TiO2) was blended with optimal biodiesel blend (B20). The performance and emission characteristics were conducted with different biodiesel blends. In this blends, B20+ TiO2 blend gives good performance and reduction in emissions compared to other biodiesel blends.

Fermentative losses and lactic acid content of elephant grass silages added with macaúba cake

Elephant grass is indicated for silage production but requires additives to increase dry matter content because it reduces the production of effluents, potentially improves the fermentation pattern, and preserves the nutrients of the silage. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of including macaúba cake in elephant grass ensilage on dry matter content, lactic acid bacteria population, lactic acid production, pH values, losses by gases and effluents, and dry matter recovery. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3x6 factorial scheme, with three levels of inclusion of macaúba cake (0, 10, and 20%) and six opening times (1, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 60 days after ensilage), with four repetitions. Macaúba cake was an effective moisture-absorbing additive, increasing dry matter content, lactic acid bacteria population, and lactic acid content and reducing the pH. The losses by effluents and gases decreased, and dry matter recovery increased with the addition of this biodiesel co-product. The 20% level of inclusion of macaúba cake in elephant grass ensilage allowed for better preserving the ensiled material.

Bioconversion of glycerol waste to ethanol by Escherichia coli and optimisation of process parameters

Biofuel is one of the best ways to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Ever since commercial biodiesel production began, waste glycerol, the biodiesel byproduct, has gained researchers’ interest, especially its recycling. Here, we explored using glycerol residue (carbon source) as a substrate in the fermentation process for ethanol production by Escherichia coli K12 in anaerobic conditions. The factors affecting the ethanol production was optimised by response surface methodology (RSM). Significant variables that impact the ethanol concentration were pH, temperature and the substrate, with a statistically significant effect (P <0.05) on ethanol formation. The significant factor was analyzed by the Box-Behnken design. The optimum conditions for bioethanol formation using glycerol as substrate was obtained at pH 7 and temperature 37°C. The ethanol productivity was 0.77 g/L/h. The ethanol concentration of 9.2 g/L achieved from glycerol residue was close to the theoretical value with the fermentation achieved at optimised terms.

Biofuel production potential of indigenous isolates of Scenedesmus sp. from lake water in Pakistan

Aims@#This paper presents the report on biodiesel and biogas production at a laboratory scale from Scenedesmus strain.@*Methodology and results@#Previously isolated and identified Scenedesmus were grown in 10 Liter flask using BG-11 media at 16 h light and 8 h dark cycle. Oven-dried biomass (20 g) from 16-day-old culture of Scenedesmus was finely grounded and subjected to lipids extraction by chloroform-methanol-NaCl mixture. Microalgal lipids (6 mL) were subjected to transesterification by using NaOH leading to the production of 5 mL biodiesel and 4 mL of glycerin. Biodiesel was rich in methyl esters of linoleic acid, phosphorothioc acid and dodecanoic acid, as shown by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Oven-dried microalgae (2 g) without lipid extraction and leftover biomass (2 g) after lipid extraction were subject to biogas production through anaerobic digestion. Biogas (34, 27 and 19 mL) were recorded respectively in oven-dried whole biomass; lipid extracted biomass and control over a period of 15 days of anaerobic digestion.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#It was concluded that water bodies are rich in diverse algae, especially Scenedesmus sp., and this algae can be cultured to produce biodiesel and biogas. But the lipid accumulation potential of microalgae requires special treatment and lipid extraction methods are not up to the mark, which is a major bottleneck in biofuel production from microalgae.

Microbial lipids production from wastes by Metschnikowia pulcherrima: a review / 生物工程学报

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel to addressing the energy shortage problem. Microbial lipids have attracted widespread attention as one of the potential feed-stocks for cost-effective and efficient biodiesel production. However, the large-scale production of microbial lipids is hampered by the complexity and the high cost of aseptic culturing approach. Metschnikowia pulcherrima is an oleaginous yeast with strong environmental adaptability. It is capable of utilizing a wide spectrum of substrates, and can be cultured under non-sterile conditions. Therefore, this yeast has great potential to replace the traditional oleaginous microorganisms, particularly in the area of recycling wastewater and solid waste for the production of biodiesel. Based on the analysis of lipid production and application conditions of M. pulcherrima, this review summarized the unique advantages of M. pulcherrima and the key factors affecting lipids production. We further discussed the feasibility of cultivating M. pulcherrima on various organic wastes under non-sterile conditions for lipids production. Moreover, we analyzed the challenges associated with M. pulcherrima's in the yield and mechanism for lipids production, and proposed perspectives for how to achieve efficient biodiesel production using this yeast.

Energy values of crude glycerin for broilers / [Valores energéticos da glicerina bruta para frango de corte]

The energetic values of crude glycerin (CG) were determined for broilers at different ages using the method proposed by Matterson and by polynomial regressions. Two trials were performed with broilers from 11 to 21 and from 31 to 41 days of age. The birds were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with a reference ration (RR), without CG, and three ration tests with replacement of 5%, 10%, and 15% of RR by CG. The metabolizable energy values were calculated by the Matterson method, and the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) values were used in polynomial regression analysis. The mean values of AME, apparent corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn), metabolizable coefficient of gross energy (CAMEB), and corrected for nitrogen balance (CAMEBn) of CG, for the phase from 11 to 21 days by the Matterson method were 10.08 MJ kg-1, 10.04 MJ kg-1, 67.06%, and 66.74%, respectively. The inclusion of CG presented an increasing linear effect for CAMEB and CAMEBn in this period. From 31 to 41 days, these values were 10.38 MJ kg-1, 10.27 MJ kg-1, 69.02%, and 62.24%, respectively. The predicted AMEn value through the polynomial regression equations was 10.49 MJ kg-1 and 10.18 MJ kg-1, respectively. According to the equations proposed by Matterson, the crude glycerin EMAn values for broilers from 11 to 21 and 31 to 41 days of age were 10.04 MJ kg-1 and 10.26 MJ kg-1, respectively. According to Adeola's method the AMEn values were 10.49 and 10.20 MJ kg-1 for each phase.(AU)

Os valores energéticos da glicerina bruta (GB) foram determinados para frangos de corte em diferentes idades, por meio da utilização do método proposto por Matterson e de regressões polinomiais. Foram realizados dois ensaios: de 11 a 21 dias e de 31 a 41 dias de idade das aves; em ambos, as aves foram distribuídas em um delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, com uma ração referência (RR), sem GB, e três rações testes com substituição de 5%, 10% e 15% da RR por GB. Foram calculados os valores de energia metabolizável pelo método de Matterson, sendo os valores de energia metabolizável aparente (EMA) utilizados na análise de regressão polinomial. Os valores médios da EMA corrigida pelo balanço de nitrogênio (EMAn), o coeficiente de metabolizabilidade da EB (CMAEB) e o corrigido para o balanço de nitrogênio (CMAEBn) da GB, na matéria natural, para a fase de 11 a 21 dias, pelo método de Matterson, foram de 10,08 MJ kg-1, 10,04 MJ kg-1, 67,06% e 66,74%, respectivamente. A inclusão de GB apresentou um efeito linear crescente para os CMAEB e os CMAEBn. Na fase de 31 a 41 dias, foram de 10,38 MJ kg-1, 10,27 MJ kg-1, 69,02% e 62,24%, respectivamente. Por meio das equações de regressões polinomiais, o valor de EMAn estimada foi de 10,49 MJ kg-1 e 10,18 MJ kg-1, respectivamente. Os valores de EMAn da GB para as idades 11 a 21 e 31 a 41 dias foram de 10,04 MJ kg-1 e 10,26 MJ kg-1, respectivamente. De acordo com as equações propostas por Matterson e com o método de Adeola, os valores de EMAn foram 10,49 e 10,20 MJ kg-1 para cada fase.(AU)

Metabolic characterization and oil profile of sunflower cultivars cultivated with increasing nitrogen doses / Caracterização metabólica e perfil do óleo de cultivares de girassol cultivados sob doses crescentes de nitrogênio

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) has great economic importance due to its oil yield and quality. Among the factors influencing these parameters, nitrogen fertilization stands out. In this study we evaluated the effect of different N-urea doses (0,10,30,50,90,130 kg N-urea ha-1) at planting and 30 days after emergency on soluble fractions, oil profile and yield of three sunflower cultivars (BRS324, Catissol 01and Neon). Plants were harvested at the flowering stage for metabolic study, and at the end of the cycle for oil extraction and characterization. The Catissol 01 genotype presented the highest N-NO3- accumulation capacity, mainly in the stem. The Neon genotype presented the highest achene production at 30 and 50 kg N ha-1. Oleic oil had the highest yield, with the Catissol 01 and Neon cultivar standing out. Among the cultivars, Catissol 01 is economically more suitable for biofuel production, when cultivated at 50 kg N ha-1 since higher N doses did not result in increased oil yield.

O girassol é uma espécie com importante valor econômico pela qualidade e rendimento de óleo. Entre os fatores que influenciam esses parâmetros se destaca a fertilização nitrogenada. Este trabalho avaliou o efeito de doses crescentes de N-uréia (0, 10, 30, 50, 90, 130 kg de N-Uréia ha-1 aplicadas no plantio e aos 30 dias após a emergência) sobre as frações solúveis, rendimento e perfil do óleo de três genótipos de girassol (BRS324, Neon e Catissol 01). As plantas foram coletadas no estádio de floração para o estudo metabólico e ao final do ciclo para a extração e caracterização de óleo. O genótipo Catissol 01 apresentou maior capacidade de acúmulo de N-NO3-, preferencialmente no caule. A maior produção de óleo por planta foi observada no BRS324, nas doses entre 30 e 50 kg N ha-1, embora o genótipo Neon tenha apresentado a maior produção de aquênios. O ácido oléico foi o de maior rendimento com destaque para os genótipos Catissol 01 e Neon. Dentre os genótipos avaliados, o Catissol 01 é economicamente mais indicado para a produção de óleo destinada ao biocombustível, quando cultivado com a dose de 50 kg N ha-1, pois doses superiores de N não resultam em aumento na produção de óleo.

Destoxificação e perfil nutricional da torta de mamona destoxificada por diferentes soluções alcalinas / [Detoxification and nutritional profile of the detoxified castor by different alkaline solutions]

Objetivou-se avaliar a destoxificação da torta de mamona bruta (TMB), por meio de dois produtos alcalinos em diferentes concentrações, e seus efeitos sobre a composição química, a degradabilidade in situ da MS e o fracionamento de proteínas. Utilizou-se o hidróxido de cálcio [Ca(OH)2] e o hidróxido de sódio (NaOH) em duas concentrações (60 e 90 gramas), diluídos em quatro quantidades de água (1.000; 1.500; 2.000 e 2.500mL de água por quilo de TMB). Observou-se que, das diferentes concentrações utilizadas, somente a utilização de 90 e 60 gramas de Ca(OH)2 e NaOH, respectivamente, conseguiu destoxificar 100% da TMB, ambas diluídas em 2.000mL de água. Por outro lado, ao avaliar o tempo mínimo de contato dos reagentes com a TMB para uma máxima destoxificação, observou-se que três horas de contato é o tempo necessário para os reagentes diminuírem em 100% as proteínas citotóxicas, além de não deixar atividade hemaglutinante nesse material. A destoxificação com o NaOH proporcionou maior degradação das proteínas solúveis e da matéria seca, favorecendo a disponibilização do nitrogênio não proteico, estando sua aplicação em escala industrial na dependência de estudos sobre viabilidade operacional e econômica.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the detoxification of crude castor (DCC) through two alkaline products in different concentrations and their effects on the chemical composition, in situ degradability of DM and the fractionation of proteins. We used the calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in two concentrations (60 and 90 grams) diluted in 4 quantities of water (1,000; 1,500; 2,000 and 2,500ml of water per kilo of DCC). It was observed that in the different concentrations used, only the use of 90 and 60 grams of Ca(OH)2 and NaOH, respectively managed to detoxify 100% of the DCC, both diluted in 2,000ml of water. On the other hand, when assessing the minimum time of contact of the reagents with the DCC for maximum detoxification, it was observed that with three hours of contact is the time required for the reagents decrease in 100% of the cytotoxic proteins, in addition to not leave haemagglutinating activity in this material. The detoxification with NaOH provided greater degradation of soluble proteins and degradation of dry matter, favoring the provision of non-protein nitrogen, while its application on an industrial scale is in the dependence of studies on operational feasibility and cost.(AU)

Single cell oil production by a novel yeast Trichosporon mycotoxinivorans for complete and ecofriendly valorization of paddy straw

Background: Oleaginous yeasts can be grown on different carbon sources, including lignocellulosic hydrolysate containing a mixture of glucose and xylose. However, not all yeast strains can utilize both the sugars for lipogenesis. Therefore, in this study, efforts were made to isolate dual sugar-utilizing oleaginous yeasts from different sources. Results: A total of eleven isolates were obtained, which were screened for their ability to utilize various carbohydrates for lipogenesis. One promising yeast isolate Trichosporon mycotoxinivorans S2 was selected based on its capability to use a mixture of glucose and xylose and produce 44.86 ± 4.03% lipids, as well as its tolerance to fermentation inhibitors. In order to identify an inexpensive source of sugars, nondetoxified paddy straw hydrolysate (saccharified with cellulase), supplemented with 0.05% yeast extract, 0.18% peptone, and 0.04% MgSO4 was used for growth of the yeast, resulting in a yield of 5.17 g L−1 lipids with conversion productivity of 0.06 g L−1 h−1 . Optimization of the levels of yeast extract, peptone, and MgSO4 for maximizing lipid production using Box­Behnken design led to an increase in lipid yield by 41.59%. FAME analysis of single cell oil revealed oleic acid (30.84%), palmitic acid (18.28%), and stearic acid (17.64%) as the major fatty acids. Conclusion: The fatty acid profile illustrates the potential of T. mycotoxinivorans S2 to produce single cell oil as a feedstock for biodiesel. Therefore, the present study also indicated the potential of selected yeast to develop a zero-waste process for the complete valorization of paddy straw hydrolysate without detoxification

Perfil de ácidos graxos do leite de vacas Holandês x Gir alimentadas com silagem de milho e concentrado contendo ou não glicerina bruta / Milk fatty acid profile from Holstein x Gyr cows fed corn silage and concentrate containing or not crude glycerin

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o perfil de ácidos graxos (AG) do leite de vacas alimentadas com dietas à base de silagem de milho contendo 0% e 8,9% de glicerina bruta (GB) na matéria seca (MS). Foram utilizadas 18 vacas Holandês x Gir com 48±18 dias em lactação, produzindo 19,8±4,9kg/dia de leite. Utilizou-se delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com nove vacas/tratamento e duas medidas repetidas no tempo, com os resultados analisados por modelos mistos. A inclusão de GB na dieta não alterou a ingestão de MS, mas reduziu os consumos dos AG oleico, linoleico e α-linolênico. Os teores dos AG mirístico, palmítico, rumênico, vacênico, esteárico, oleico, linoleico, α-linolênico e CLA trans-10 cis-12 na gordura do leite foram semelhantes entre dietas. A inclusão de GB reduziu os teores dos AG elaídico e C18:1 trans-10 e aumentou os teores dos AG de cadeia ímpar linear e do ácido láurico. Não houve efeito da inclusão da GB sobre os índices de aterogenicidade e trombogenicidade da gordura do leite. Concluiu-se que a inclusão de glicerina bruta em dieta à base de silagem de milho não afetou a qualidade nutricional da gordura do leite de vacas Holandês x Gir.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the milk fatty acid (FA) composition of cows fed corn silage-based diets containing 0% and 8.9% of crude glycerin (GB) on a dry matter (DM) basis. Eighteen Holstein x Gyr cows with 48±18 days in milk and producing 19.8±4.9kg milk/day were used in the study. The experimental design was a randomized block with nine cows per treatment and two repeated measures. Results were analyzed using mixed models. The milk fat contents of myristic, palmitic, rumenic, vaccenic, estearic, oleic, linoleic, α-linolenic, and trans-10 cis-12 CLA were similar between diets. Dietary inclusion of GB decreased elaidic and trans-10 C18:1, and increased lauric acid and odd linear-chain FA contents in milk fat. Both atherogenicity and trombogenicity indices were unaffected by GB inclusion. It was concluded that GB inclusion in corn silage-based diets had no effect on the nutritional quality of milk fat from Holstein x Gyr dairy cows.(AU)

Purified glycerin in balanced diets for chicken broilers from 8 to 21 days old / Glicerina purificada em dietas balanceadas para frangos de corte dos 8 aos 21 dias de idade

This paper aimed to evaluate the metabolizability, performance and economic viability of purified glycerin inclusion in balanced diets fed to chicken broilers from 8 to 21 days old. Two experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, 100 broilers (14 days old) were distributed in a completely randomized design into two treatments, with five replications of 10 broilers. Treatments consisted of a control diet and a test diet, in which purified glycerin replaced 10% of the control diet. In the second experiment, 200 broilers (8 days old) were distributed in a completely randomized design into four treatments (0, 2, 4 and 6% of purified glycerin inclusion), with five replications of 10 broilers. The weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, final weight, apparent metabolizable energy (AME), nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn), metabolizability coefficients of dry matter (DMMC), crude protein (CPMC) and gross energy (GEMC), and the cost of feed per kg of broiler produced were evaluated. The AME, AMEn, DMMC, CPMC and GEMC from the purified glycerin were 3790 and 3560 kcal/kg, and 83.72, 71.52 and 86.27%, respectively. The glycerin levels did not affect (p>0.05) any of the performance characteristics (weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion and final weight). The lowest feeding cost and the highest gross margin were obtained for broilers fed with 6% purified glycerin. The inclusion of 6% purified glycerin in balanced diets for broilers from 8 to 21 days old was technically and economically feasible.

Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar a metabolizabilidade, o desempenho zootécnico e a viabilidade econômica da inclusão de glicerina purificada, em dietas balanceadas para frangos de corte dos 8 aos 21 dias de idade. Foram realizados dois experimentos, sendo que, no primeiro experimento, foram utilizados 100 pintos de 14 dias de idade, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com dois tratamentos, cinco repetições de 10 aves. Os tratamentos consistiram de uma dieta referência e uma dieta teste, na qual a glicerina purificada substituiu 10% da dieta referência. No segundo experimento, foram utilizados 200 pintos de 8 dias de idade, distribuídos em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com quatro tratamentos (0, 2, 4 e 6% de inclusão de glicerina purificada) e cinco repetições de 10 aves. Foram determinados o ganho de peso, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, peso final, energia metabolizável aparente (EMA), energia metabolizável aparente corrigida pelo balanço de nitrogênio (EMAn), os coeficientes de metabolizabilidade da matéria seca (CMMS), proteína bruta (CMPB), energia bruta (CMEB) e o custo da alimentação por kg de frango produzido. A EMA, EMAn e os CMMS, CMPB, CMEB da glicerina purificada obtida foram de 3790, 3560 Kcal/kg e 83,72, 71,52, 86,27%, respectivamente. Observou-se que a inclusão de glicerina purificada não afetou (p>0,05) o desempenho (ganho de peso, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar e peso final). O menor custo com a alimentação e a maior margem bruta foi obtido com os frangos alimentados com 6% de inclusão de glicerina purificada. A inclusão de 6% de glicerina purificada em dietas balanceadas para frangos de corte dos 8 aos 21 dias de idade, mostrou-se técnica e economicamente viável.

Production and characterization of biodiesel obtained from transesterification of lipid from goat tallow

Aim: The present study was conducted to optimise the production of biodiesel from goat tallow by chemical and biological transesterification and to analyse the fuel characteristics of biodiesel. Methodology: Lipid from goat tallow was extracted after subjecting the tallow to ultrasonication and microwave heating. The lipid obtained was converted to biodiesel by chemical and biological transesterification processes. Results: Microwave heating of goat tallow with hexane produced 550 ml of oil whereas ultrasonication method produced 350 ml and 430 ml with Hexane and Hexane : Isopropanol (3:2) as solvent mixture, respectively. When one litre of this oil was subjected to transesterification reaction, 750 ml and 640 ml of biodiesel was produced by chemical and biological methods under optimized conditions (temperature 60oC for chemical and 35oC for biological transesterification). GC-MS analysis of transesterified oil indicated linolenic acid, pentadecanoic acid and stearic acid as major lipid components in goat tallow. Fuel properties were tested as per ASTM standards. Interpretation: The biological process (either with the enzyme or with organism), if properly designed can definitely be an advantageous as this process is cost effective and environmental friendly. Goat tallow can be a potential candidate for the production of biodiesel, an alternate to fossil fuel, which is the need of the hour.

Effect of Process Variables on the Transesterification Process of Palm Oil Sludge to Biodiesel

In this research work, the optimum process variables (catalyst, methanol to oil ratio and reaction time) for transesterification of palm oil sludge (POS) to biodiesel were studied. The transesterification process was carried by mixture of palm oil sludge, methanol and catalyst with the help of magnetic stirrer at 300 rpm and at temperature of 60ºC. The catalyst used for the process was potassium hydroxide (KOH). One-Factor-at-A-Time was used to select the possible optimum levels of process variable that gives high biodiesel yield. The study was evaluated by five levels of methanol-to-oil ratio (1:1 – 12:1), catalyst (0.1- 2%) and reaction time (30 – 150 min).The optimum process variables for transesterification of palm oil sludge (POS) to achieved maximum biodiesel yield were found to be methanol to oil molar ratio of 12:1, catalyst loading of 1.5wt% and reaction time of 30 min. At this optimum conditions the maximum biodiesel yield was 61.2%. The biodiesel produced from transesterification of palm oil sludge was characterized in order to determine the properties of the product. The density of POS is 857.0 kg/m3, kinematic viscosity of 5.38 mm2/s, flash point of 180°C, pour point of -5°C, and Acid value of 0.17 mgKOH/g. The biodiesel produced from transesterification of palm oil sludge meets the EN 14214 and ASTM 6751 standard. Thus, this study will be helpful to determine an efficient and economical procedure for biodiesel production from non-edible raw materials with high free fatty acid.

Process conditions for a rapid in situ transesterification for biodiesel production from oleaginous yeasts

BACKGROUND: Microbial oils produced by diverse microorganisms are being considered as alternative sources of triglycerides for biodiesel production. However, the standalone production of biodiesel from microorganisms is not currently economically feasible. In case of yeasts, the use of low-value nutrient sources in microbial production and the implementation of cost-efficient downstream processes could reduce costs and make microbial lipids competitive with other commodity-type oils in biodiesel production. Industrial biodiesel synthesis from oleaginous seeds is currently based on a multistep process. However, a simple process called in situ transesterification (ISTE), which takes place within the biomass without a previous lipid extraction step, is receiving increasing interest. In this work, the optimal conditions for an ISTE process to obtain biodiesel from previously selected oleaginous yeast (Rhodotorula graminis S1/S2) were defined using the response surface methodology (RSM). RESULTS: Using the RSM approach, the optimal conditions for the maximum yield with minimum reaction time included a methanol-to-biomass ratio of 60:1, 0.4 M H2SO4, and incubation at 70°C for 3 h. The optimized in situ process yield was significantly higher (123%) than that obtained with a two-step method in which fatty acids from saponifiable lipids were first extracted and then esterified with methanol. The composition of the fatty acid methyl ester mixture obtained from R. graminis S1/S2 by ISTE met Uruguayan standards for biodiesel. CONCLUSION: The characteristics achieved by the optimized method make microbial oil a potential alternative for biodiesel production from yeast at an industrial scale.

Pineapple Waste and Wastewater: Route for Biodiesel Production from Candida tropicalis (MF510172)

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to utilize waste resources for biodiesel production and to test its recyclability. The oleaginous yeast was isolated from local municipal wastewater outlet and on the basis of 18S r RNA sequencing, isolate was identified as Candida tropicalis (MF510172). Optimum fermentation conditions for lipid yield was recorded to be at 180 rpm agitation speed, 6% pineapple waste as a carbon source, 5% inoculum size,48 h inoculum age at 40°C temperature with 72 h incubation time. Candia was able to produce 13 ml. L-1 lipids using optimum conditions. Extracted lipids were transesterified to form fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and further characterized by using GC-MS and FTIR spectroscopy. Palmitic acid methyl esters and other supplementary hydrocarbon compounds were identified using GC-MS. FTIR spectrum indicates the characteristics FAME peak at 1740 cm-1 with C= O stretching band of methyl esters. The results clearly demonstrate the waste resources containing filtered wastewater and pineapple waste used in the study are effective to produce quality oil for biodiesel production.

Effects of Sun and Oven Drying Techniques on Quality of Oil Produced from Chlorella vulgaris (Microalgae) Biomass

This study involved the molecular identification of Chlorella vulgaris microalgae obtained from Kaduna State University Fish Pond for biodiesel production potential. The DNA of Chlorella microalgae was extracted and subjected to PCR. The molecular weight of the PCR product obtained was 1.8kb using 18S rDNA primer sets and BLAST analyses revealed 95% identity with Chlorella vulgaris. The Chlorella vulgaris was cultured in open aquaria tanks at the Department of Biological Sciences, Nigerian Defence Academy. The biomass harvested was subjected to varying timings of sun and oven drying techniques (25-35ºC for 72hours and 60ºC for 12hours respectively) before extraction of oil from the biomass using solvent extraction method. The values for the density (0.854 and 0.867 cm3), specific gravity (0.875 and 0.876), acid value (0.414 and 0.384 mgKOH/g), saponification value (173.3 and 170.1 mgKOH/g), kinematic viscosity (5.200 and 3.870 mm2/g at 40ºC), flash point (114 and 115ºC) and cetane number (54.00 and 47.70) for the sun and oven dried biomass oil respectively were found to be in accordance with the ASTM standard values for biodiesel and fossil diesel. GC-MS analyses of the oil extracted using the two drying methods showed that the fatty acid profiling of the oil obtained from sun dried processed biomass had C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1 cis9 and C22:1ω9 while the oven dried biomass oil had C14:0, C16:0, C19:0, C11:1, C18:1 cis9 and C22:1ω9. Drying methods, therefore, had influenced on the composition of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The oven dried biomass oil possesses high monounsaturated fatty acids when compared to sun dried biomass oil though the most important fatty acids (C14:0, C16:0 and C18:1) found in standard biodiesel were present in both. The results suggested that Chlorella vulgaris microalgae can be sustainably harvested for the production of biodiesel, both drying techniques can be employed for effective extraction but oven dried biomass oil was found to be of high quality because of the balanced in saturated and unsaturated fatty acid compositions and have an easy mode of operation but it required instrumentation.

Characterization of the Physicochemical Properties of Different Biodiesel Samples

ABSTRACT For combustion engines to perform well, it is necessary that the fuel used be of high quality. Fuel quality can be analyzed through different physicochemical properties. This study presents comparisons between the values presented in literature, legislation and those obtained through experimental tests of different biodiesel samples. Biodiesel is a promising alternative of renewable energy obtained from raw material. The properties observed in this study are: Viscosity, density, cloud point, pour point and calorific value. The data explored by this work aims to bring solidification to the methodologies and equipment necessary for a better characterization of biodiesel.

Physicochemical Characteristics of Oil Obtained from the Treatment of Poultry Abattoir Effluents and its Potential for Biodiesel Production

ABSTRACT Sludge oil derived from the effluent generated in poultry abattoirs offers a promising biomass for the production of biodiesel. In this work, determination was made of its physicochemical characteristics, including acidity, density at 20ºC, peroxide index, moisture content, and saponification index, together with evaluation of a route for its conversion to biodiesel.

Effect of synthetic and natural media on lipid production from Fusarium oxysporum

Background: Dependence on fossil resources, for the production of fuels and energy, has resulted in environmental and financial problems, which require our immediate action in order to reverse the situation. Use of renewable sources for the production of fuels and energy is an important alternative with biodiesel remains as one of the promising options. Aim of this work is to evaluate the fungus Fusarium oxysporum for its potentials to accumulate microbial lipids when grown on synthetic media and saccharified sweet sorghum stalks. Results: The effect of different carbon sources, nitrogen sources and C/N ratio on the lipid production was initially examined, which resulted in a lipid concentration of 4.4 g/L, with lipid content of 42.6% w/w. Sweet sorghum stalks were able to support growth and lipid production of the fungus, both as carbon source and as nitrogen source. It was also shown that saccharification of the dried stalks is an important step to increase lipid production. Removal of the remaining stalk solids enabled the lipid production during cultivation in increased initial solids of up to 16 w/w. This resulted in a lipid production of 3.81 g/L. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that F. oxysporum can be used as an efficient oleaginous microorganism, with sweet sorghum serving as an excellent raw material for the cultivation of the fungus. The lipids obtained during this work were also found to have a fatty acid profile with good potentials to be used for biodiesel production.