With an increasing concern for environmental protection, biodiesel is an advanced fuel that is produced through chemical means from plant- and animal-based feedstock sources. As not every feedstock has the same composition, processes need to be advanced for removal of a variety of unwanted metals, phosphorus, and sulfur compounds. If these compounds remain in the finished product, they will be emitted when the biodiesel is combusted. Sulfur was the main concern in this research, not only for environmental implications, but also the need to use lower-cost feedstocks which typically have a proportionally higher sulfur content. Additionally, there are strict specifications for sulfur content in On-Road (highway) fuel. An investigation of the literature revealed ten sulfur compounds that are common to animal fat-based feedstocks. Standards of these compounds were prepared in methyl oleate as simulated biodiesel. Oleic acid is one of the largest fatty acid components in animal-based feedstocks, accounting for 37-56%. This research evaluates a variety of chemical means and physical methods to remove the sulfur compounds. Six different filter aids along with seven different chemical pre-treatment methods were tested. Most filter aids had a significant impact on desulfurization depending on the properties of the individual sulfur compounds, with silica gel having the greatest impact on decreasing sulfur content overall. The complete results of all the sulfur removal conditions and methods will be reported.

Investigating methods for the removal of sulfur compounds from biodiesel

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.