Biodiesel:Biodiesel:An Environmental An Environmental

EvaluationEvaluation

Chrissy Warrilow Chrissy Warrilow

Mike YoungMike Young

Jordon BecklerJordon Beckler

What is Biodiesel (cont.)What is Biodiesel (cont.)

Transparent amber-yellow liquidTransparent amber-yellow liquid

2 Kinds:2 Kinds: esterester (oxygenate), made from the oil and methanol. (oxygenate), made from the oil and methanol. alkanealkane (non-oxygenate) biomass-to-liquid fuel. (non-oxygenate) biomass-to-liquid fuel.

Biodiesel is defined as mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from Biodiesel is defined as mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats which conform to ASTM D6751 specifications for use vegetable oils or animal fats which conform to ASTM D6751 specifications for use in diesel engines. Biodiesel refers to the pure fuel before blending with diesel fuel. in diesel engines. Biodiesel refers to the pure fuel before blending with diesel fuel. Biodiesel blends are denoted as, "BXX" with "XX" representing the percentage of Biodiesel blends are denoted as, "BXX" with "XX" representing the percentage of biodiesel contained in the blend (ie: B20 is 20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel).biodiesel contained in the blend (ie: B20 is 20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel).

NotNot unrefined vegetable oil. unrefined vegetable oil.

Function in normal diesel enginesFunction in normal diesel engines

OSHA classified non-flammable liquid (flash point 160 deg C)OSHA classified non-flammable liquid (flash point 160 deg C)

Ancient HistoryAncient History

1853: E. Duffy and J. Patrick 1853: E. Duffy and J. Patrick Transesterification of vegetable oilTransesterification of vegetable oil

August 10August 10thth, 1893: Rudolph Diesel, 1893: Rudolph Diesel Prime modelPrime model International Biodiesel DayInternational Biodiesel Day

1900:1900: World Fair in Paris: “Grand Prix”World Fair in Paris: “Grand Prix”

1912: 1912: ““the use of vegetable oils for engine fuels may seem insignificant the use of vegetable oils for engine fuels may seem insignificant

today, but such oils may become, in the course of time, as important today, but such oils may become, in the course of time, as important as petroleum and the coal-tar products of the present time.”as petroleum and the coal-tar products of the present time.”

1920s: Diesel engine manufacturers alter engine to utilize lower 1920s: Diesel engine manufacturers alter engine to utilize lower viscosity of petrodiesel. viscosity of petrodiesel.

SourcesSources ASTM D 6751ASTM D 6751 DIN EN 14214DIN EN 14214

Rapeseed methyl ester –RMERapeseed methyl ester –RME Vegetable methyl ester –PMEVegetable methyl ester –PME Fat methyl ester -FMEFat methyl ester -FME

Virgin oil feedstock: rapeseed, soybean Virgin oil feedstock: rapeseed, soybean oils. mustard, palm oil, hemp, jatropa, oils. mustard, palm oil, hemp, jatropa, algae ponds at wastewater treatmentalgae ponds at wastewater treatment

Waste vegetable oilWaste vegetable oil Animal fats: tallow, lard, yellow grease, Animal fats: tallow, lard, yellow grease,

Omega-3 fatty acid biproducts.Omega-3 fatty acid biproducts.

Methods of productionMethods of production

Base catalyzed transesterification of the oilBase catalyzed transesterification of the oil Low temperatureLow temperature High conversion High conversion Direct conversion to biodiesel- no intermediatesDirect conversion to biodiesel- no intermediates No exotic materials of construction neededNo exotic materials of construction needed

Direct acid catalyzed transesterification of the oilDirect acid catalyzed transesterification of the oil Conversion of the oil to its fatty acids and then to Conversion of the oil to its fatty acids and then to

biodiesel.biodiesel.

ReactorsReactors

TransesterificationTransesterification

100 lbs Oil or Fat

+

10 lbs Alcohol

10 lbs glycerin

+

100lbs biodiesel

The CycleThe Cycle

ProductionProduction

5 Factors5 Factors Complete ReactionComplete Reaction Removal of glycerinRemoval of glycerin Removal of catalystRemoval of catalyst Removal of alcoholRemoval of alcohol Absence of free fatty acidsAbsence of free fatty acids

GC test for confirmationGC test for confirmation Pure product LD50 > 50mL/kgPure product LD50 > 50mL/kg

Biodiesel EmissionsBiodiesel Emissions

Biodiesel decreases emissions of all Biodiesel decreases emissions of all greenhouse gases except for NOgreenhouse gases except for NOxx..

There is higher aldehyde concentration in There is higher aldehyde concentration in biodiesel exhaust.biodiesel exhaust.

However, biodiesel decreases polycyclic However, biodiesel decreases polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by around 80%.aromatic hydrocarbons by around 80%.

Mutations and CancerMutations and Cancer

Biodiesel has much lower mutagenicity Biodiesel has much lower mutagenicity than normal fuel (60%).than normal fuel (60%).

No poisonous effect on organisms.No poisonous effect on organisms. Much less likelihood on cancerous cells Much less likelihood on cancerous cells

developing in organisms.developing in organisms.

Some AdvantagesSome Advantages

Biodiesel does not contain sulfur.Biodiesel does not contain sulfur. Generally, lowering sulfur in fuel Generally, lowering sulfur in fuel

decreases lubrication, and this is not decreases lubrication, and this is not seen in biodiesel.seen in biodiesel.

Treatment of exhaust is simpler with Treatment of exhaust is simpler with biodiesel.biodiesel.

Anthropogenic NAnthropogenic N22OO

Agriculture generally doesn’t contribute to Agriculture generally doesn’t contribute to NN22O fluctuations in the atmosphere.O fluctuations in the atmosphere.

The exception is soy fields.The exception is soy fields. Studies show, however, that the amount Studies show, however, that the amount

of atmospheric COof atmospheric CO22 saved by the saved by the

processing of soy biodiesel is more than processing of soy biodiesel is more than is created by Nis created by N22O emissions.O emissions.

The Bad NewsThe Bad News

Considerable amounts of NConsiderable amounts of N22O are O are

generated by fertilizer production.generated by fertilizer production. However, treating fertilizer with urea However, treating fertilizer with urea

eliminates these emissions of Neliminates these emissions of N22O.O.

In general, fertilizer decreases biodiesel’s In general, fertilizer decreases biodiesel’s COCO22-saving power by only 13%.-saving power by only 13%.

Tropospheric AcidizationTropospheric Acidization

Emission of acid producers (NHEmission of acid producers (NH33, NO, NO22, ,

HCl, etc.) combines with HHCl, etc.) combines with H++ in a catalytic in a catalytic process to create SOprocess to create SO22..

NHNH33 emissions from biodiesel increase emissions from biodiesel increase

SOSO22 concentrations by 32%. concentrations by 32%.

Taking efficiency into account, biodiesel is Taking efficiency into account, biodiesel is at a 16% acidity disadvantage than it at a 16% acidity disadvantage than it would be (the no sulfur argument).would be (the no sulfur argument).

Why use biodiesel?Why use biodiesel?

““Biodiesel reduces emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) by Biodiesel reduces emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) by approximately 50 % and carbon dioxide by 78 % on a net lifecycle approximately 50 % and carbon dioxide by 78 % on a net lifecycle basis because the carbon in biodiesel emissions is recycled from basis because the carbon in biodiesel emissions is recycled from carbon that was already in the atmosphere, rather than being new carbon that was already in the atmosphere, rather than being new carbon from petroleum that was sequestered in the earth's crust.” carbon from petroleum that was sequestered in the earth's crust.” (Sheehan, 1998)(Sheehan, 1998)

Sulfur is not a constituent of biodiesel, and so burning it does not Sulfur is not a constituent of biodiesel, and so burning it does not produce S02 emissionsproduce S02 emissions

Burning biodiesel can reduce the amount of particulate matter Burning biodiesel can reduce the amount of particulate matter emissions by as much as 65% emissions by as much as 65%

Biodiesel the highest British Thermal Unit (BTU) of any alternative Biodiesel the highest British Thermal Unit (BTU) of any alternative fuel in its purest form (B100). The BTU describes the heating fuel in its purest form (B100). The BTU describes the heating value of a fuel.value of a fuel.

Biodiesel is biodegradable and non-toxic Biodiesel is biodegradable and non-toxic Pure biodiesel (B100) can be used in any petroleum diesel Pure biodiesel (B100) can be used in any petroleum diesel

engine; engine modifications are not necessaryengine; engine modifications are not necessary

Not convinced?…Not convinced?…

““When reviewing the high costs associated with other When reviewing the high costs associated with other alternative fuel systems, many fleet managers have alternative fuel systems, many fleet managers have determined biodiesel is their least-cost-strategy to determined biodiesel is their least-cost-strategy to comply with state and federal regulations.” comply with state and federal regulations.” (www.vegenergy.com)(www.vegenergy.com)

““Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of completed the health effects testing requirements of the Clean Air Act.” (the Clean Air Act.” (www.vegenergy.comwww.vegenergy.com))

““Biodiesel emissions have decreased levels of Biodiesel emissions have decreased levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitrited polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitrited PAH compounds that have been identified as potential PAH compounds that have been identified as potential cancer causing compounds.” (cancer causing compounds.” (www.vegenergy.comwww.vegenergy.com))

So whats the downside?So whats the downside?

Biodiesel products have a problem of gelling Biodiesel products have a problem of gelling when the temperatures get below ~40 °F; the when the temperatures get below ~40 °F; the temperature depends on the particular mix of temperature depends on the particular mix of esters in the fuel. Currently, a product that will esters in the fuel. Currently, a product that will significantly lower the gelling point of straight significantly lower the gelling point of straight biodiesel is commercially unavailable. biodiesel is commercially unavailable.

Biodiesel emits more NOx than petroleum diesel; Biodiesel emits more NOx than petroleum diesel; however, properly designed and maintained however, properly designed and maintained engines in addition to catalytic converters can engines in addition to catalytic converters can help reduce the amount of NOx being emitted help reduce the amount of NOx being emitted into the atmosphere. into the atmosphere.

Engine TroublesEngine Troubles

Biodiesel is soluble in water (due to hydrogen bonding). Water Biodiesel is soluble in water (due to hydrogen bonding). Water can mix into the biodiesel during fuel processing and can mix into the biodiesel during fuel processing and condensation from the vehicle’s fuel tank. Water’s presence in condensation from the vehicle’s fuel tank. Water’s presence in biodiesel is problematic due to many reasons:biodiesel is problematic due to many reasons:

Water can reduce the heat of combustion, which results in a Water can reduce the heat of combustion, which results in a vehicle exhibiting difficulty starting and running with less powervehicle exhibiting difficulty starting and running with less power

Water can cause corrosion of fuel system components such as Water can cause corrosion of fuel system components such as fuel pumps, injector pumps, fuel lines, etcfuel pumps, injector pumps, fuel lines, etc

When water freezes, it produces ice crystals which encourage When water freezes, it produces ice crystals which encourage gelling of fuel residue by providing sites of nucleation. gelling of fuel residue by providing sites of nucleation.

Microbe colonies that live off of water and biodiesel constituents Microbe colonies that live off of water and biodiesel constituents can cause a serious plug in the fuel system. can cause a serious plug in the fuel system.

AvailabilityAvailability

Biodiesel is commercially available in most of the United States. In Biodiesel is commercially available in most of the United States. In Atlanta, it can be purchased from Robert Del Bueno, author of Atlanta, it can be purchased from Robert Del Bueno, author of www.vegenergy.comwww.vegenergy.com; call (404) 219-9709 or write to ; call (404) 219-9709 or write to rob@vegenrgy.com for details.rob@vegenrgy.com for details.

As of 2005, it is slightly more expensive than petroleum diesel; this As of 2005, it is slightly more expensive than petroleum diesel; this is due to the fact that it is still produced on a smaller scale as is due to the fact that it is still produced on a smaller scale as compared to petroleum diesel.compared to petroleum diesel.

Many farmers now use a biodiesel in tractors and equipment to Many farmers now use a biodiesel in tractors and equipment to foster production of biodiesel and to raise public awareness. Thus, foster production of biodiesel and to raise public awareness. Thus, biodiesel is usually more available in rural areas of the nation as biodiesel is usually more available in rural areas of the nation as opposed to cities.opposed to cities.

In 2005, U.S. entertainer Willie Nelson was selling B20 Biodiesel in In 2005, U.S. entertainer Willie Nelson was selling B20 Biodiesel in four states under the four states under the name BioWillie. By late 2005 it was name BioWillie. By late 2005 it was available at 13 gas stations and truck stops (mainly available at 13 gas stations and truck stops (mainly in Texas). in Texas). Most purchasers were truck drivers. It was also used to fuel the Most purchasers were truck drivers. It was also used to fuel the buses and buses and trucks for Mr. Nelson's tours as well as his personal trucks for Mr. Nelson's tours as well as his personal automobiles.automobiles.

DistributorsDistributors

In the mediaIn the media

As of 2003 some tax credits are available in the U.S. for using biodiesel. In 2004: As of 2003 some tax credits are available in the U.S. for using biodiesel. In 2004: 30 million US gallons (110,000 m³) of commercially produced biodiesel were sold in the U.S., up from 30 million US gallons (110,000 m³) of commercially produced biodiesel were sold in the U.S., up from

less than 0.1 million US gallons (380 m³) in 1998. less than 0.1 million US gallons (380 m³) in 1998. Projections for 2005: Projections for 2005:

were 75 million gallons produced from 45 factories. were 75 million gallons produced from 45 factories. Projections for 2010:Projections for 2010:

Due to increasing pollution control requirements and tax relief, the U.S. market is expected to grow to 1 Due to increasing pollution control requirements and tax relief, the U.S. market is expected to grow to 1 or 2 billion US gallons (4,000,000 to 8,000,000 m³) or 2 billion US gallons (4,000,000 to 8,000,000 m³)

The price of biodiesel in the United States has come down from an average $3.50 per US The price of biodiesel in the United States has come down from an average $3.50 per US gallon ($0.92/l) in gallon ($0.92/l) in 19971997 to $1.85 per US gallon ($0.49/l) in 2002. This appears economically to $1.85 per US gallon ($0.49/l) in 2002. This appears economically viable with current petrodiesel prices, which as of 9/19/05 varied from $2.648 to $3.06.viable with current petrodiesel prices, which as of 9/19/05 varied from $2.648 to $3.06.

In February of 2006, a team of high school students showed a sports-economy car, fueled by In February of 2006, a team of high school students showed a sports-economy car, fueled by soybean bio-diesel, that became a star of the Philadelphia Auto Show. soybean bio-diesel, that became a star of the Philadelphia Auto Show. zero to 60 in four seconds and gets more than 50 miles to the gallon. zero to 60 in four seconds and gets more than 50 miles to the gallon.

March 2002, the Minnesota State Legislature passed a bill which mandated that all diesel sold March 2002, the Minnesota State Legislature passed a bill which mandated that all diesel sold in the state must contain at least 2% biodiesel. The requirement took effect on June 30, 2005. in the state must contain at least 2% biodiesel. The requirement took effect on June 30, 2005. In March 2006, Washington State became the second state to pass a 2% biodiesel mandate, In March 2006, Washington State became the second state to pass a 2% biodiesel mandate, with a start-date set for December 1, 2008.with a start-date set for December 1, 2008.