Characterization of Biodiesel Using Various Feedstocks
Department
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Major
Chemical Engineering
Research Advisor
Smith, Joseph D.
Advisor's Department
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Funding Source
Missouri S&T Energy and Research Development Center
Abstract
The recent demand for alternative energy and concern for the environment have led to the investigation of biodiesel as a feasible alternative to petroleum based liquid transportation fuels. One important factor in the production of biodiesel is the feedstock. Optimizing the biodiesel production process by selecting the most beneficial feedstock would greatly improve the feasibility of using biodiesel as an alternative fuel. The goal was to produce biodiesel using various feedstocks and then characterizing the resulting biodiesel. Biodiesel was produced using a base-catalyzed transesterification process and the same equipment, therefore ensuring uniformity in the process. This project compares the characteristics of the various biodiesels, and will provide valuable information on the optimal feedstock for biodiesel.
Biography
Sean Tennyson is a junior in chemical engineering. He has been the leader of the biodiesel research team for the past year. Sean’s research interests include biodiesel production and optimization, and life-cycle analysis on carbon emissions.
Research Category
Engineering
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hall
Presentation Date
16 Apr 2014, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Characterization of Biodiesel Using Various Feedstocks
Upper Atrium/Hall
The recent demand for alternative energy and concern for the environment have led to the investigation of biodiesel as a feasible alternative to petroleum based liquid transportation fuels. One important factor in the production of biodiesel is the feedstock. Optimizing the biodiesel production process by selecting the most beneficial feedstock would greatly improve the feasibility of using biodiesel as an alternative fuel. The goal was to produce biodiesel using various feedstocks and then characterizing the resulting biodiesel. Biodiesel was produced using a base-catalyzed transesterification process and the same equipment, therefore ensuring uniformity in the process. This project compares the characteristics of the various biodiesels, and will provide valuable information on the optimal feedstock for biodiesel.
Comments
Joint project with Melissa Vidal, Josh Heath, Alex Carney