The document outlines the objectives, production process, pros and cons, and potential uses of biodiesel produced by Clemson University's biodiesel pilot plant. The objectives are to increase awareness of the facility, produce biodiesel on campus, gain funding, and scale up production. Biodiesel production costs $1.16 per gallon compared to $2.85 per gallon for regular diesel. The process involves filtering waste cooking oil, testing for water and acid content, mixing the oil with methanol, washing, and filtering to produce biodiesel. Potential uses on campus include powering generators, buses, construction sites, and farms.

1. Our Objectives
1. Increase Awareness of Facility
2. Contract Biodiesel within Clemson
3. Gain Funding
4. Scale up Production
Cost of Production
● Regular Diesel =
$2.85 / gal
● Est. Clemson
Biodiesel =
$1.16 / gal
Class Activities
● 2-hr meetings once weekly
● Lab and theory classes
● Applied chemistry
● Field trip
Practicing Titrations in-lab
A new generation representing
Clemson Biodiesel
The Process:
1. Gravity filter oil
2. Water Content Test
3. Acid Titration Test
4. Methoxide Mixer: Heated Oil & Methanol
5. Let Settle, remove glycerol
6. Check for completion: 50/50 & 27/3 Test
7. Washing Tank
8. Ion Exchange Column
DANGER: Methanol
The Pros and Cons of Biodiesel:
● Pros:
○ Sourced from local waste cooking oil
(primarily from dining halls)
○ Fewer emissions (C neutral)
○ Cleans engines
● Cons:
○ Gels in cold weather
○ Must mix with normal diesel
Campus Potential:
● Useable by ANY diesel generator
on campus
○ Bus Fleet
○ Construction Sites
○ Organic Farm
○ Botanical Gardens
○ Housing & Dining
Toxic to Nervous System
- Highly Flammable
- Low Flash Point
Routes of Exposure:
- Inhalation / Contact
B5 - B20 - B50 - B100
Common Oils:
● Soybean 52%
● Canola 13%
● Corn 13%
● Recycled 12%
● Animal Fat 10%
Clemson University Biodiesel Pilot Plant
Cherry Crossing, Clemson
BE 4990 CI
Instructor: David Haines
Assistant: Rui Xiao