Feb 20 2010
Researchers at the UC Davis have developed a new process that could significantly increase the yields of biodiesel from oilseed crops by up to 24%. A single process is employed in the new method to convert both carbohydrates and plant oils into biodiesel. In addition, the biodiesel’s performance characteristics is also improved, particularly in cold climates. A paper providing details of the new patented method is published online in Energy & Fuels journal.
Mark Mascal, professor of chemistry at UC Davis, said that the plant oils are extracted and converted into fatty acid esters in the conventional method of biodiesel production leaving behind starches, sugars, and cellulose – the plant’s carbohydrate portion. In the new process, the discarded carbohydrates are also converted into chemicals, named as levulinic acid esters, simultaneously along with the conversion of plant oils into fatty acid esters in the same container. The resulting fuel cocktail has much better performance than conventional biodiesel at low temperatures.
Mark Mascal, who is also the co-author of the paper with postdoctoral researcher Edward Nikitin, said that the fuel cocktail and conventional biodiesel have same boiling range, but is thinner. This new blend of biodiesel and levulinate esters will have a better performance over a broad range of temperatures than conventional biodiesel, Mascal said. Though the cost of the new process is higher, it will be compensated with improved performance and fuel yields, he added.
Source: http://www.ucdavis.edu