More eco-friendly fuel from a by-product
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel produced by a chemical reaction that takes place between methanol and vegetable oils. This process produces glycerine as a by-product. Increasing biodiesel production has led to increased glycerine production, causing a market glut. On the other hand, methanol is a commodity whose supply and price can fluctuate based on a number of factors, including its increasing demand. Scientists are devising ways to use the crude glycerine to produce more methanol (glycerine-to-methanol (GtM)) for biodiesel production, thus enhancing sustainability, the overall energy balance and reducing the carbon footprint. EU funding of the project 'Reforming of crude glycerine in supercritical water to produce methanol for re-use in biodiesel plants' (SUPER METHANOL) is supporting their work. The team first constructed and tested laboratory-scale test rigs for three unit operations involving supercritical reforming of glycerine, raw synthesis gas upgrading and methanol synthesis. Following the success of their methanol synthesis experiments, investigators are now in the process of filing a patent. A number of catalysts required for the processes were also produced and tested. Experimental work was supplemented by process modelling covering both the three unit processes and the complete GtM approach. A small-scale pilot plant has been constructed and is being used to investigate mass and energy system balances as well as to validate designs and uncover any potential gaps in the overall GtM design concept. Following optimisation, a full-scale GtM plant will be installed at an existing biodiesel plant in Spain. In addition to maximising glycerine reuse for methanol production, the team is investigating the new applications and uses for glycerine to further maximise utility. Dissemination of results was achieved through six meetings and dissimination and exploitation plans were prepared. A recent publication appeared in "Biodiesel; Feedstocks , Production and Applications" journal entitled "Methanol Production from Glyerol" (http://www.intechopen.com/books/biodiesel-feedstocks-production-and-applications/biomethanol-from-glycerol). SUPER METHANOL results promise to make biodiesel production more sustainable. Moreover, manufacturers will not be faced with a glut of glycerine, which is already in the oversupply. SUPER METHANOL outcomes are thus expected to have an important impact on the competitiveness of biodiesel production for transport fuel.
