Biodiesel Notes

Biodiesel

Biofuels: Ethanol vs. Biodiesel

• Biofuels are an alternative fuel source, comparing ethanol and biodiesel, aiming to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

• "BEWILLIE Premium Diesel Fuel" is mentioned, promoting biofuels as a "Clean Air Choice," with claims of reducing "85% LESS FOREIGN OIL" with E85 (85% Ethanol) fuel, highlighting environmental and energy independence benefits.

Biofuels as an Alternative

• Biofuels are not the definitive solution for sustainable energy but can contribute to a diversified energy portfolio.

• They offer advantages over fossil fuels, contingent on cultivation and conversion methods, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices to maximize benefits.

Comparison of Biofuels

• First-generation biofuels:

  • Derived from commercially available food crops, raising concerns about food security and land use.

  • Examples: Corn-grain ethanol and soybean biodiesel, commonly used but with noted limitations.

• Second-generation biofuels:

  • Cellulosic biofuels, considered fuels of the future, utilizing non-food biomass for sustainable production.

  • Sources: Diverse prairie biomass, algae, and crop waste, offering environmental advantages and reduced competition with food crops.

Second Generation Biofuels: Cellulosic Feedstock

• Examples of cellulosic feedstock include switchgrass, wheat straw, hybrid poplar, and corn stalks, showcasing the variety of potential sources for advanced biofuels.

Fermentor: The Workhorse

• Bio-based methods are employed in fermentors, crucial for biofuel production through microbial processes.

• Brazil has 389 plants utilizing fermentors, producing 38% of the world's ethanol fuel, demonstrating significant global impact in biofuel production.

The Politics of Ethanol Fuel

• Corn for Grain Production by County map is shown, illustrating geographical distribution and potential political influences.

• The map should be compared with a coal map to contrast resource distribution and energy policy implications.

Use of Agricultural Crops

• Agricultural crops are used for:

  1. Food for people

  2. Food for Animals

  3. Feedstocks for Industry

  4. "Farm"-a-ceuticals

  5. Fuel, highlighting competing demands and ethical considerations.

Ethanol Demand and Corn Prices

• Increased demand for corn due to ethanol production, impacting market dynamics and agricultural practices.

  • Production capacity exceeds 5 billion gallons, with expansions driving further demand for corn.

  • Projected to surpass 9 billion gallons with current plants under construction, intensifying pressure on corn supply and prices.

• Corn prices in January 2025 exceeded 4.50/bushel, reflecting market responses to ethanol demand.

• Prices have doubled since the early 2000s, illustrating the significant economic impact of biofuel policies.

• Ethical considerations arise regarding the use of food as fuel, sparking debates about resource allocation and global food security.

Environmental Effects

• Fertilizer and pesticide use are discussed, raising concerns about ecological impacts and sustainability.

• Graphs compare application per NEB (g/MJ) for corn grain ethanol and soybean biodiesel, providing quantitative data for environmental assessment.

  • Corn grain ethanol fertilizer application: N (Nitrogen) is around 7, P (Phosphorus) is around 1, indicating nutrient requirements and potential for runoff.

  • Soybean biodiesel fertilizer application: N is around 5, P is less than 1, showing differences in nutrient demands between biofuel sources.

  • Corn grain ethanol pesticide application: Glyphosate is around 0.12, Atrazine is around 0.02, Acetochlor is around 0.04, Metolachlor is around 0.06, Other is around 0.01, reflecting pesticide usage patterns in corn ethanol production.

  • Soybean biodiesel pesticide application: Glyphosate is around 0.02, Other is around 0.002, indicating lower pesticide use compared to corn ethanol.

Environmental Effects

• Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced relative to gasoline and diesel combustion, offering climate benefits.

• However, ethanol production using coal as a heat source has a significant carbon footprint, highlighting the importance of using renewable energy sources in biofuel production.

Rudolf Diesel

• Rudolf Diesel invented the diesel engine in 1892, revolutionizing transportation and industry.

• He stated in 1912 that vegetable oils could produce motor power from solar heat, even after the exhaustion of solid and liquid fuels, demonstrating foresight regarding renewable energy.

• Biodiesel fueled German tanks in WWII, indicating early adoption and strategic applications of biodiesel.

The US Navy

• The U.S. Navy is the world's largest consumer of biodiesel, promoting energy security and reducing reliance on foreign oil.

• The Navy launched the first biofuel-powered aircraft carriers, operating with a blend of petroleum and biofuels made from beef fat, showcasing commitment to renewable energy integration.

What is Biodiesel?

• Biodiesel consists of methyl esters produced by reacting lye and methanol with oil from various sources, detailing the chemical composition and production process.

• Sources include soybeans, canola, peanut, corn, palm, cottonseed, and animal fats like tallow, yellow grease, or lard, illustrating feedstock diversity and potential environmental implications.

Vegetable Oil Conversion to Biodiesel

• Vegetable oil undergoes transesterification to produce biodiesel, a key chemical process involving alcohol and a catalyst.

• Straight vegetable oil can be used in vehicles with conversion, offering alternative options for specialized applications.

Home-Grown Energy

• The process involves:

  • Soybean seeds being crushed and pressed to yield raw soybean oil, initiating the biofuel production chain.

  • The oil goes to a reactor and separator for refining and processing.

  • Refined oil, ready for biodiesel conversion.

  • Water and Waste water, requiring proper treatment and disposal.

  • Glycerin byproduct can be used for soaps, shampoos, and cosmetics, enhancing the economic viability of biodiesel production.

  • The oil is mixed with Methyl Alcohol and a catalyst to facilitate transesterification.

  • The end product is Biodiesel, which can be mixed with #2 Diesel Fuel to create B20 Fuel, offering flexibility in fuel blending.

  • Soybean Meal byproduct used for Animal Feed, adding value to the overall production system.

Current and Maximal Potential Production of Food-Based Biofuels

• Data from 2008 is used, providing historical context for biofuel development.

• Corn grain ethanol:

  • Current production: 1.9% of gasoline usage, using 14% of corn harvest, reflecting limited impact on overall fuel supply.

  • Maximal potential: 12.0% of gasoline usage, using 100% of corn harvest, indicating constraints and trade-offs in land use.

• Soybean biodiesel:

  • Current production: 0.3% of diesel usage, using 1.5% of soybean harvest, showing niche applications and modest contributions.

  • Maximal potential: 6.0% of diesel usage, using 100% of soybean harvest, highlighting limitations in scaling up production.

Making Your Own Biodiesel: Considerations

• Safety: Handling chemicals and equipment requires stringent safety protocols.

• Compliance with environmental regulations: Adhering to local, regional, and national standards is essential.

• Feedstock availability: Ensuring a consistent and sustainable supply of raw materials.

• Time commitment: Biodiesel production demands significant time and effort.

• Economics: Evaluating costs and benefits to ensure financial viability.

• Handling of byproducts: Managing glycerin and waste streams responsibly.

• Engine performance: Ensuring compatibility and optimizing engine operation.

Biodiesel Checklist

• Ensure it meets ASTM D 6751 standards for quality and performance.

• Use fuel filters to prevent contamination and maintain engine health.

• Take cold weather precautions to avoid gelling and ensure smooth operation.

• Verify engine compatibility to prevent damage and maintain warranty.

• Wipe spills immediately to minimize environmental impact and safety hazards.

• Use within 6 months to prevent degradation and maintain fuel quality.

Biodiesel and Environmental Safety

• Biodiesel is presented as a natural, environmentally safe product, emphasizing its eco-friendly properties.

• Table salt is claimed to be ten times more toxic than biodiesel, highlighting its relatively low toxicity.

• Biodiesel biodegrades almost completely in one month, showcasing its environmental benefits.

• It's considered safe to transport and store, minimizing risks associated with handling and distribution.

Biodiesel Acute Toxicity

• Biodiesel's toxicity is compared to other substances using LD50 values, providing scientific context for safety assessment.

• Biodiesel: LD50 = 17,400 mg/kg

• Table salt: LD50 = 3000 mg/kg

• Caffeine: LD50 = 150-200 mg/kg

• Nicotine: LD50 = 50-60 mg/kg

• Arsenic: LD50 = 13 mg/kg

• Black Mamba: LD50 = 0.28 mg/kg

• Puffer Fish: LD50 = 1-2 mg/kg

• Poison Dart Frog: LD50 = 0.04 mg/kg

• Ricin: LD50 = 1-2 mg/kg

• Box Jelly: LD50 = 0.00175 mg/kg

Biodiesel is considered less toxic than table salt based on LD50 values.