Abstract
The utilization of biodiesel as an alternative fuel for diesel engines offers number of environmental benefits owing to its renewable plant oil. Furthermore, biodiesel exhibits fuel properties comparable to petroleum-based diesel fuel making modification of diesel engines unnecessary. Nevertheless, the use of neat biodiesel (B100) is limited by its poor low-temperature flow characteristics and its poor torque. While the chemistry involved in producing biodiesel is relatively uncomplicated, the most demanding task for producing such kind of biomass fuel on a commercial scale is to pass existing regulations such as EN 14214 (European Standard) that impose strict requirements on its quality. This is a mandatory prerequisite in order to classify the product suitable for fuel use.
This research was undertaken to develop a continuous production process for converting crude sunflower oil into fuel-grade methyl esters. The emphasis of the study was on controlling regulated impuri-ties especially the residual glyceride contents in the fuel product which are highly affected by the production method and process conditions. We also introduce a novel pour point depressant which can make the application of biodiesel more practical.
