The process of synthesizing biodiesel from cooking oil is inefficient due to the wasteful use of reagents and water. My research addresses the excessive use of methanol, a required reactant in biodiesel synthesis. The challenges include a chemical equilibrium process, and production of methanol vapors that are hazardous and flammable. The goal of this research was to apply Green Chemistry principles to evaluate static fluid reflux condensers to optimize methanol recovery. Reflux condensers require the unsustainable use of cold water, and have explored static liquids to improve efficiency. Static liquids were selected based on their heat capacities: water, ethylene glycol, glycerol, and air serving as the control. Different styles of reflux condensers: Liebig, Allihn, Graham, and air condensers were also investigated.  Our results with static fluids were compared with condensers using cold and room temperature flowing water recirculating in a closed system. Based on our data, we have found that using glycerol as the static fluid in an Allihn condenser has potential to make the biodiesel process more efficient and sustainable, reducing negative impacts on human and environmental health.  This research was supported by a summer research grant from the BSU Center for Sustainability and Adrian Tinsley Program, and a grant from the EPA P3 program (SU835696).

Application of green chemistry principles to improve the efficiency of biodiesel synthesis from waste vegetable oil: Optimizing methanol use and recovery

251st National Meeting (2016)

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