Optimization of Sustainable Biodiesel Washing Process from an Appropriate Technology Based Approach for Developing Regions

The production of energy in the form of liquid fuels like biodiesel derived from vegetable oils has been carried out around the world for decades. Tropical regions in particular are rich in biobased resources, such as oil seeds, allowing for a low-tech Appropriate Technology (AT) based approach. However, there has been a serious oversight in the development of AT based processes for producing and purifying biodiesel in rural or remote regions of developing countries.  Removal of the soap produced as a side product of the transesterification reaction presents a major challenge for AT based processes.  The surface chemistry and interfacial interactions between the soap and biodiesel, particularly the formation of an emulsion layer must be well understood in order for an AT process to be developed.  This presentation will focus on solving this key challenge in the production of biodiesel in a manner that is sustainable for underdeveloped regions.