Evaluation of Two Purification Methods of Biodiesel from Beef Tallow, Pork Lard, and Chicken Fat

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2011

Authors

Teresa M. Mata (Author) FEUP; Cardoso, N (Author) Other; Ornelas, M (Author) Other; Soraia Neves (Author) Other; Nídia de Sá Caetano (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Energy & Fuels

Vol. 25

Pages: 4756-4762

ISSN: 0887-0624

Publisher: American Chemical Society

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 33 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 62 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Other engineering and technologies

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Chemical engineering

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-KV7

DOI: 10.1021/ef2010207

Abstract (EN): Beef tallow methyl esters (TMEs), pork lard methyl esters (LMEs), and chicken fat methyl esters (CMEs) were produced, purified, and characterized to evaluate their quality and compare two purification methods: (1) conventional neutralization, water washing, and drying and (2) purification using cationic exchange resins. Also, B20 blends [20% biodiesel (v/v) mixed with petroleum diesel] were characterized and evaluated. The conventional alkali-catalyzed transesterification process was used, with methanol as the reagent and KOH as the catalyst, yielding 76.8, 90.8, and 91.5% (w/w) CME, TME, and LME, respectively. The ester content of these biodiesels was below 96.5% (w/w), and the kinematic viscosity was high (ranging between 4.84 and 6.86 mm(2)/s), which poses restrictions to their use as fuel in vehicle engines, especially in low-temperature climates. Although it is not possible to use 100% biodiesel produced from these animal fats, blends of 20% biodiesel are viable with some advantages, such as the improved cold-flow properties [cold filter plugging point (CFPP) below 6 degrees C], lower kinematic viscosity (from 3.10 to 3.28 mm(2)/s), and higher heating value of the mixture (about 44.6 MJ/kg). Results also show that the resin purification helps to reduce biodiesel acidity and kinematic viscosity, while conventional water washing followed by adsorbent drying and filtration gives better results regarding water and alkaline metal (Na + K) content.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7