University of Porto researchers analyse alternative biodiesel processes

Portuguese researchers are studying different methods of biodiesel purification that do not contain water.

During the analysis, the University of Porto researchers carried out heterogeneous transesterification using a very active calcium glyceroxide catalyst, and then attempted to remove soaps through pre-treating the crude biodiesel with sodium carbonate. The fuel was then placed through ion exchange resins or a ceramic membrane, the researchers reported.

Biodiesel produced using soybean and used cooking oils created the purification. The fuel that was produced as a result is of equal quality to that which is produced after conventional water-washing.

This process 'presents a high potential to remove calcium soaps from biodiesel,' and 'could provide significant economic and environmental benefits compared to other more energy intensive water-based production methods,' the researchers stated.

David Brown, the chief executive at the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) commented: 'Current production processes do not always deliver the full potential of biofuels to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and there are continuing challenges including economic and environmental. But demand for biofuels is clearly increasing and advancement in chemical engineering processes, such as the use of heterogeneous catalysis and water-free methods using membranes, are very welcome to consolidate biofuels as a globally accepted and sustainable source of renewable energy.'