Room Temperature Process for Biodiesel Production

Biodiesel (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester, FAME) is produced by trans-esterification of triglycerides (such as vegetable oils) using methanol and a homogeneous alkaline catalyst. However, production costs are typically higher than petroleum-based diesel fuel. The primary factor is the relatively high cost of raw material, i.e., vegetable oil. To lower down the cost of biodiesel production and to make biodiesel more competitive, less expensive, alternate feedstocks such as waste fats, restaurant grease, and used cooking oils may be used. Also, the reaction time and process energy requirement for the trans-esterification process should be as less as possible.

CSIR- IIP has developed a “Process for converting vegetable oil (non-edible and used cooking oils) containing low free fatty acids (“FFA”) to biodiesel at ambient condition (Room Temperature Biodiesel Process).

Salient Features:

• Process is suitable for feed stocks (edible/non-edible oil) having FFA up to 10%.
• Transesterification is carried out at ambient conditions (room temperature, atm. Pressure etc.)
• Process is suitable for small scale operations as in the form of mobile unit.