Biodiesel production from various feedstocks and their effects on the fuel properties

J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol. 2008 May;35(5):431-441. doi: 10.1007/s10295-008-0337-6. Epub 2008 Mar 13.

Abstract

Biodiesel, which is a new, renewable and biological origin alternative diesel fuel, has been receiving more attention all over the world due to the energy needs and environmental consciousness. Biodiesel is usually produced from food-grade vegetable oils using transesterification process. Using food-grade vegetable oils is not economically feasible since they are more expensive than diesel fuel. Therefore, it is said that the main obstacle for commercialization of biodiesel is its high cost. Waste cooking oils, restaurant greases, soapstocks and animal fats are potential feedstocks for biodiesel production to lower the cost of biodiesel. However, to produce fuel-grade biodiesel, the characteristics of feedstock are very important during the initial research and production stage since the fuel properties mainly depend on the feedstock properties. This review paper presents both biodiesel productions from various feedstocks and their effects on the fuel properties.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bioelectric Energy Sources / economics
  • Bioelectric Energy Sources / standards*
  • Energy-Generating Resources / economics
  • Energy-Generating Resources / standards*
  • Esterification
  • Europe
  • Fats / chemistry*
  • Fats / metabolism*
  • Gasoline / analysis
  • Industry
  • Plant Oils / chemistry*
  • Plant Oils / metabolism*
  • United States
  • Viscosity
  • Waste Products / analysis*

Substances

  • Fats
  • Gasoline
  • Plant Oils
  • Waste Products