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Glycerol Extraction from Biodiesel Waste 2006
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A clear separation technique is needed for purification of the the by-product of
biodiesel production - glycerol. Many practices reaquire virtually pure glycerol
solution (the VPR reactor being one of them).
The goal is to prevent further environmental degradation caused by the
use of fossil fuels by preventing the waste stream from entering a
landfill but instead use it as a fuel.
Status
Due to lack of interest, the project is currently on hold.
The Spring 2006 semester was devoted to obtaining glycerol samples
from biodiesel producers, planning purification experiments, carrying
out the experiments, locating a suitable location to perform chemical
tests on the mixture and extracted glycerol. Major challenge were the process of
obtaining the equipment to run the experiments and analysis and finding
a lab to work in.
Technical Specifications
The biodiesel by-product consists of a crude, basic solution that
is about 80% glycerol, 18% water, and 2% fatty acids, methanol, and
miscellaneous compounds.
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