Biodiesel

Biodiesel is a compound of methyl ester derived from the esterification/trans-esterification process of various types of vegetable oils or animal fats. Biodiesel definition has become important since many misleading definitions of biodiesel have been interpreted so as to define biodiesel as a substitute of diesel fuel from any vegetable oil without esterification/trans-esterification process.

Biodiesel production technology has referred to the reversible transesterification reaction, in which triglyceride molecule with methanol (methanolysis) is converted to alkyl methyl ester and glycerol. Although higher alcohols (ethanol) can be used in the transesterification, however, methanol is more advantageous since the two main products, fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) and glycerol, is hardly miscible and thus form separate phases – an upper ester phase and a lower glycerol phase. Moreover, the price of methanol is cheaper than ethanol which makes it preferable for commercial biodiesel production

The chemical and physical properties of biodiesel closely resemble those of diesel fuel. Biodiesel’s cetane number, energy content and viscosity are similar to those of petroleum-based diesel fuel. Biodiesel is essentially sulfur free. Engines fueled by biodiesel emit significantly fewer particulates, hydrocarbons and less carbon monoxide than that operating conventional diesel fuel.

Bio-diesel production and consumption will provide significant contribution for job creation and economic growth due to involvement of farmers and other small scale enterprises in bio-diesel value chain. Some raw material plants that can be cultivated on “marginal” soil will improve the soil environmental condition. One very important factor resulted from utilization of bio-diesel is the availability of domestic knowledge and skills to set up bio-diesel development capacity from raw materials, processing, up to distribution.

However, some challenges must be addressed to maximize the benefit of utilizing biodiesel fuel, among others, i.e. selection of most effective raw materials, sustainable raw material supply, reliable production process, bio-diesel fuel specification, pricing policy, fiscal policy, etc.

from Pilot Plant Biodiesel Puspitek Serpong BPPT