Biodiesel 101

Biodiesel 101
Presented by Randy Durren
11/02/2010
Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide
http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy08osti/43672.pdf
To view a recording of the presentation please visit our site at: www.pccbusiness.com/green

Contents of Lecture
Petroluem and Peak Oil
Terms and definitions related to biodiesel
Advantages and disadvantages of biodiesel
Chemistry of biodiesel
Biodiesel feedstocks
Current state & future potential of biodiesel

History of Oil
Dinosaurs?
Where do we find it today?
What are the global implications of peak oil?
An understanding of the past, present, and future states of petroleum is essential to appreciating the importance of biofuels.

Extreme Global Warming
gave excessive Algal Growths
90 & 150 million years ago
Rifts formed as the Continents moved apart
Organic debris
Source: Campbell, May 2005

And then came the rains
Rifts filled by sediment washed in from borderlands
Chemical reactions converted organic debris into oil when buried & heated
Source: Campbell, May 2005

Discoveries, Production, & Demand of Petroleum

New find in GOM(Jack No. 2 test well)
Up to 3-15 billion barrels of oil
US consumption 20 million barrels/day
5 months - 2 years
Reservoir is 8 km under sea level

Produced (gone)
Proved Reserves
Undiscovered(?)
Extra Heavy Oil
& Tar Sands
Conventional
(“easy”)
EOR
Shale Oil
Unconventional petroleum resources:
(more difficult & dirty, and therefore expen$ive)
0 25 50
Years Supply at
2005 Production
1
0
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Trillions of Barrels Recoverable
Non-convenional reserves(excluding gas and coal)
(Courtesy of Joe Stefani)

Non-conventional oil
2 tons of tar sands produce 1 barrel of bitumen (~asphalt)
Tar Sand
Heavy
Oil
Oil
shale
from National Geographic, June 2004

Location of Oil Reserves
www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/colombia/oilb.html

Global Consumption of Oil
www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/colombia/oilb.html

The Greenhouse Effect

Making the Case for Renewable Energy
Global Petroleum Consumption
Annual: 1.26 trillion gallons
Daily: 3 billion gallons
Hourly: 130 million gallons
Health Effects
Diesel exhaust has over 40 constituents that are listed as hazardous air pollutants, toxic air contaminants, carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxicants.
Economic Boost
The US trade deficit for petroleum in 2004 was $100 billion. According to US Dept of Labor, every $1 billion in trade deficit is the equivalent of 27,000 lost jobs.
Energy Independence
On average, 10% of a farm’s land can provide enough energy to power the entire farm
What else?

Clarification of Terms
Biofuel – a solid, liquid, or gas fuel derived from, or consisting of biological material.
Biodiesel - a fuel comprised of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, meeting American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) 6751, designated B100.
Ethanol - an alcohol obtained from the fermentation of sugars and starches or chemical synthesis.
Biodiesel Blend – biodiesel (B100) blended with petroleum-based diesel fuel designated BXX, where XX is the volume percent biodiesel.

What is Biodiesel?
Biodiesel a fuel produced to an ASTM standard that can be used as an additive, supplement, or substitute for diesel fuel and heating oil.
Biodiesel is made from vegetable oil or animal fats. (Biodiesel is not vegetable oil.)
Biodiesel is recognized as a fuel by the US Dept. of Energy, US Dept. of Transportation, and US Environmental Protection Agency.

Biodiesel: What isn’t it ?
Non-esterified oils and fats
Raw vegetable oils and animal fats are not biodiesel!!
Non-esterified oils and fats blended with petroleum-diesel
Partially esterified oils and fats
This fuel will not meet ASTM standards
A blend of biodiesel and petroleum diesel
Renewable Diesel

Applications of Biodiesel
As a neat fuel (B100).
100% biodiesel qualifies as an alternative fuel under EPAct for fleet alternatively fueled vehicle mandates.
As a medium-level blend (B20-B50).
Most commonly used blends of biodiesel
Used by private and public fleets throughout the world
As a low-level blend (1% - 5%). Small amounts of biodiesel can restore lubricity to low-sulfur fuels.
2% biodiesel blend can replace all lubricity lost from using ULSD
5% biodiesel blend is most commonly supported by OEM manufacturers
Bioheat
Biodiesel can be used as supplement for home heating oil

Advantages of Biodiesel
Biodegradable, nontoxic, renewable
High flash point (300°F or higher)
Very favorable energy balance, 3.2 to 1.
Lower emissions than petroleum diesel
Locally produced biodiesel supports the local economy
The use of biodiesel made in the US decreases the dependence for petroleum from other nations.

Biodiesel is Nontoxic
Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to pass EPA health effects testing.
Studies show it is 10 times less toxic than table salt.
Cancer risks associated with diesel exhaust are reduced 94% with biodiesel.

Biodiesel is Easy to Use
Biodiesel works in any diesel engine or oil burner.
Biodiesel uses existing fueling infrastructure.
Biodiesel is available for delivery anywhere in the country.
It is as easy to “get out of” as it is to “get in to”.

Things to be aware of…
Biodiesel gels and freezes at higher temperatures than diesel
Biodiesel acts as solvent in tanks and lines
Biodiesel is a solvency on some surfaces
Biodiesel can be incompatible with some hoses, seals, & gaskets
Biodiesel may be reactive with brass and copper
Shelf Life of Biodiesel

Disadvantages of Biodiesel
Biodiesel has a lower energy content than diesel fuel:
Biodiesel has 12.5% less energy than diesel per pound. However, biodiesel is slightly heavier than diesel, so when measured by volume biodiesel contains 8% less energy.
Improved combustion (higher cetane number) and superior lubricity of biodiesel make up for loss in energy content.
Driver will not notice any power or mileage loss due to use of biodiesel.
Btu/lbBtu/gal
#2 Diesel 18,300 129,050
Biodiesel 16,000 118,170
(12.5% less (8% less)

Disadvantages of Biodiesel
Some biodiesel may begin to cloud and gel at temperatures as high as 60°F.
Biodiesel is less oxidatively stable than petroleum diesel fuel. Old fuel can become acidic and form sediments and varnish. Additives can prevent this.
There is limited supply. Plant oils are widely available but expensive. Inedible animal fats are less expensive but have limited supply.

History of Diesel Engines
1900 – Dr. Rudolph Diesel demonstrated his engine using peanut oil at the World’s Fair.
The diesel engine utilized high compression for ignition.
Original diesel engines were capable of burning wide variety of fuels, including vegetable oils.
“The use of plant oil as fuel may seem insignificant today.
But such products can in time become just as important
as today’s kerosene and coal-tar-products”
-Rudolph Diesel

Engine Warranties
Use of biodiesel in your vehicle will not
void your warranty!
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a federal law protecting consumers from deceptive warranty practices.
Many engine manufacturers have stated recommendations of biodiesel blends for use in their engines.
More details on biodiesel and engine warranties can be found on the National Biodiesel Board website.

Biodiesel Emissions
Regulated B100 B20
Total Unburned Hydro Carbons -93% -30%
Carbon Monoxide -50% -20%
Particulate Matter -30% -22%
Nox (in vehicles – reductions in boilers/burners!) +13% +2%
Non Regulated
Sulfates -100% -20%
PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) -80% -13%
nPah (nitrated PAH) -90% -50%
Ozone Potential of speciated HC -50% -10%
Mutagenicity -80%-90% -20%
Overall greenhouse gas emissions from biodiesel are reduced by 40% compared to petroleum diesel.
Biodiesel is the first and only alternative fuel to have a complete evaluation of emissions results and potential health effects submitted to the US EPA under the Clean Air Act 211 (b) Both Tier I and Tier II have been completed

The Biodiesel Reaction
Produced by a chemical reaction between alcohol and an oil or fat facilitated by a catalyst.
Plant oil (100 lbs) + methanol (10lbs)  Biodiesel (100lbs) + glycerin (10 lbs)
This process is called transesterification

List of Raw Materials
Oil or Fat
Soy
Canola
Cottonseed
Poultry Fat
Beef Tallow
Pork Lard
Restaurant Grease
Alcohol
Methanol
Ethanol
Isopropanol
Butanol
Catalyst
Sodium Hydroxide
Potassium Hydroxide

Transesterification
A “free fatty acid” (FFA) chain that has broken off the “fat” molecule
Vegetable oil molecule(Triglyceride)
FFA combines with alcohol molecule to make an alkyl ester(Biodiesel)
Steam from cooking foods, salts, chemicals, and heat break chains off triglycerides to produce FFAs

Transesterification
Biodiesel
Methanol
Catalyst
Triglyceride
Glycerol
One triglyceride molecule is converted into three mono-alkyl-ester (biodiesel) molecules
Fatty Acid Chains

Transesterification Material Balance
Oil or Fat
Catalyst
Methanol
Methoxide
Acid
Water
Glycerine
Esters
Reaction and Separation
Acidulation
Washing
FFA
Waste Water
Methanol
Removal
Methanol
Removal
Excess Methanol 50 > 99%
Crude Glycerin
Biodiesel

Micro-production aka “Home brewing”
To learn more about micro-production of biodiesel please refer to the following links.
www.biodiesel.infopop.cc
Biodiesel discussion forums
www.biodieselcommunity.org
Home of the collaborative biodiesel tutorial
www.biodieselnow.com
Biodiesel blogs, discussion groups, production equipment sales
www.tdiclub.com
Website dedicated to those who love Volkswagen TDIs
www.b100supply.com
Tutorials, “appleseed” reactor kits, production equipment, books
www.biofuels.coop
Education, consulting, free tours of facility every Sunday
www.utahbiodieselsupply.com
Free online video tutorials and lots more

First Generation Biofuels
Uses high value feedstocks which lead to the food vs. fuel discussion
Require large land investments
Utilizing inefficient production methods
Generally do not accomplish perceived goals

Comparing Potential Oil Yields from different crops
Source: Wikipedia.org

Potential of Fats & Oils
Vegetable Oil Production (Billion pounds/yr)
Soybean 18.34
Peanuts 0.22
Sunflower 1.00
Cottonseed 1.01
Corn 2.42
Others 0.67
Total Veg. Oil 23.66
Animal Fats
(Billion pounds/yr)
Edible Tallow 1.63
Inedible tallow 3.86
Lard & Grease 1.31
Yellow Grease 2.63
Poultry Fat 2.21
Total Animal Fat 11.64
Combined Total: 23.66 + 11.64 = 35.3 billion lbs/yr
35.3 billion lbs of fats and oils could produce about 4.6 billion gallons of biodiesel.

Sales of On-highway Diesel Fuel
On-highway Diesel (billion gallons)
1998 30.15
1999 32.06
2000 33.13
2001 33.22
2002 34.31
2003 37.10
2004 37.02
2005 38.05
If all of the vegetable oil and animal fat were used to produce biodiesel, we could only replace about 15% of the current demand for on-highway diesel fuel.
Sales of On-highway Diesel Fuel
Energy Information Administration www.eia.doe.gov
Total Annual Production of US Fats and Oils.
from Pearl, G.G., "Animal Fat Potential for Bioenergy Use," 2002

Next Generation Biofuels
Changes must take place in the biodiesel industry in order for biofuels to have a more positive global impact.
The use of low food value, high yielding crops is imperative to the growth and success of the industry.
Advancements in production technology must also occur. Highly efficient production methods are vital to competing with the much larger petroleum industry.
Stringent quality control standards must be upheld to provide consumers with confidence in the biodiesel they are purchasing.

Sustainable Biodiesel
Sustainable -meeting the needs of today without compromising the needs of future generations.
Although biodiesel is produced largely from renewable resources, it is not always produced sustainably.
Environmental stewardship, social impacts, and fiscal responsibility are all key factors in creating sustainable fuel from a renewable resource. Without these components, biofuels is just as non-renewable as petroleum.
Sustainable Biodiesel Alliancewww.sustainablebiodieselalliance.com
Organization committed to making sustainable biodiesel an industry standard
Sustainable Biodiesel Summitwww.sustainable-biodiesel.org
An annual event held to support the sustainable biodiesel industry and to educate about the importance of sustainability in the entire biodiesel industry.
National Biodiesel Board Sustainability Task Forcewww.biodiesel.org

Biodiesel Quality
ASTM D 6751 Standards
Fuel quality is critical for proper functioning
Standards ensure satisfactory operation in diesel engines
BQ 9000 Certification
Certifies biodieselproducers and marketers
Provides confidence in biodiesel quality for:
Biodiesel Producers
Engine and Vehicle Manufacturers
Distributors
Consumers

Biodiesel StandardASTM D 6751
Property Test method Limits Units
Flash point (closed cup) D 93 93.0 min oC
Water and sediment D 2709 0.050 max % volume
Sulfated ash D 874 0.020 max % mass
Sulfur D5453 0.05 or 0.0015 max a % mass
Cloud point D 2500 Report oC
Acid number D 664 0.50 max mg KOH / g
Free glycerin D 6584 0.020 % mass
Total glycerin D 6584 0.240 % mass
Oxidation Stability EN 14112 3 min hours
Workmanship Free of undissolved water, sediment, & suspended matter
Carbon residue D 4530 0.050 max % mass
Kinematic viscosity, 40 oC D 445 1.9-6.0 mm2 / s
Copper strip corrosion D 130 No. 3 max
Phosphorus content D 4951 0.001 max % mass
Distillation temperature,T90 AET D 1160 360 max oC
Sodium/Potassium, combined EN 14538 5 max, combined ppm
Cetane number D 613 47 min
Calcium & Magnesium EN 14538 5 max ppm (ug/g)
Tests in bold type are considered to be critical testing parameters for biodiesel.
a) The limits are for Grade S15 and Grade S500 biodiesel, respectively.
S15 and S500 refer to maximum sulfur specifications (in ppm).

Certificate of Analysis
Provides consumers with the assurance that the fuel they are purchasing meets ASTM standards set for biodiesel.
Should clearly state each test performed on fuel being sold by producer.
Failure of any quality control test should prevent the sale of fuel for on-road use.

What Can I Do?
Drive Less
Consolidate shopping trips/days
Carpool – HOV lanes rock!
Live close to work
Eat “Closer to Home”
Farmers Markets, CSA…use less petroleum and support the local economy at the same time
Diet choices have significant impact on oil use
Make your next vehicle a more fuel efficient one
A more efficient vehicle = Lower fuel costs
Conserve energy at home - Painlessly
CF lights
Turn your hot water heater down
Turn off lights/appliances when not in use
Support Renewable Fuels

Conservation
It’s important to remember that while biodiesel may be a better option than petroleum diesel; the use of less natural resources is ultimately the only answer to the problem of peak oil, climate change, unsustainable fuel production, etc.
As the global human population increases, the demand for all natural resources will rise also. Conservation, efficiency, and appropriate technology are all necessary for our society to continue enjoying the quality of life we have come to know in North Carolina.
The only thing better than burning biodiesel is not burning fuel at all.

Summary
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel for diesel engines that can be produced from renewable materials.
Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine with modification.
Biodiesel’s advantages include emissions, farmer support, ease & safety of use, and higher lubricity .
Biodiesel’s disadvantages include difficultly in cold weather and slightly lower energy content than diesel.
The health effects of biodiesel use are superior to those from diesel exhaust.
Biodiesel has the potential to have a dramatic impact creating jobs and supporting local fuel production.

Biodiesel 101

by Business Development and Entrepreneurship Center on Nov 02, 2010

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Biodiesel 101 — Presentation Transcript