BIODIESEL FROM ACID OIL, A WASTE BY-PRODUCT OF VEGETABLE OIL REFINERIES: AN ECONOMIC RESOURCE FOR BIODIESEL ACTIVITIES

BIODIESEL FROM ACID OIL, A WASTE BY-PRODUCT OF VEGETABLE OIL REFINERIES: AN ECONOMIC RESOURCE FOR BIODIESEL ACTIVITIES

Combating the menace of Global warming has become a challenging task of present times. Biofuels development holds promise as they are considered eco-friendly renewable and widespread. Bioethanol and Biodiesel have been projected as an alternative to Petrol and Diesel. Feedstock availability and production costs are the key drivers toward sustainable and commercial production and implementation of biofuels. Our energy security will remain vulnerable until economic resources are identified and appropriate processes are developed. A strong focus on technology development is imperative for the adaptation of second/third generation of advanced biofuels utilizing domestic feedstocks including agricultural residues/ industrial wastes that otherwise are simply burnt/ thrown out…

Acid oil has been identified as an economic resource as it is readily available in large quantities at most vegetable oil refineries, about 1060 vegetable oil refineries in India process about 25 Million Tons of vegetable oils and generates about 4-4.2 Million Tons of acid oil at their sites which are considered as unwanted and are disposed of at 40-42000 Rs. /ton. As acid oil contains free fatty acids and moisture contents far excess than permissible limits conventional trans-esterification process cannot be employed. A new type of ED3R esterification process developed at the R& D center produces Biodiesel of International specifications. The process is economically viable, simple, and be easily scaled up as per the needs.

ED3R process consists of an esterification unit, methanol recovery enrichment, and recycling unit which are chronologically arranged and operated. Methanol is continuously fed to the esterification vessel and the methanol-water vapor mixture produced is continuously taken out.

The mixture is fed to a recovery unit where methanol is enriched recovered recycled and reused.

At the forefront of this transformative endeavor is GoGreen BioEnergy India Pvt Ltd, the organization responsible for the pioneering development and implementation of the ED3R process. Spearheaded by visionary leaders such as BM Kulkarni and Madhu HN, with Naveen Pawar as the CEO, GoGreen BioEnergy India Pvt Ltd continues to drive innovation and sustainability in the biofuels industry.

As the world seeks cleaner and greener energy solutions, the utilization of acid oil for biodiesel production showcases how waste materials can be transformed into valuable economic resources. By tapping into the potential of acid oil through the ED3R process, India and the global community take a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting energy security, and fostering a sustainable future. As GoGreen BioEnergy India Pvt Ltd leads the charge, their commitment to developing green energy solutions, and social media presence, including Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp Web: https://gogreenbioenergy.com, ensure that their transformative efforts continue to inspire and influence the bioenergy landscape positively.

Country needs increased production of Biofuels

Country needs increased production of Biofuels

Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from molasses, corn, rice, and other agriculture-based feedstocks which can be blended and used in conventional petrol. The country has done well in Ethanol blending in the petrol scheme, which has reduced substantial carbon emissions, which has also helped in reduction of carbon footprints as well as emission of greenhouse gases and saved more than INR 40,000 crores of forex reserve for the country. Usage of Ethanol blended petrol has many environment friendly benefits. Similarly, Biodiesel is an alternative for conventional diesel derived from waste fats and oils and OMCs have floated tenders to blend biodiesel in the diesel.

Vasanth JB, energy sector analyst said that the country needs more biodiesel and ethanol which are sustainable green fuels and can be directly used as an alternative for the conventional diesel and petrol.

All over the world, the sources of traditional energy and fossil fuels are slowly moving towards extinction, so renewable forms of energy are emerging as suitable alternatives. Vasanth JB added that it is very important to bring Ethanol as well as Biodiesel in more circulation to save the environment and to reduce the carbon footprint.

Oil and coal are being heavily used in the energy sector since the Industrial Revolution. The problem is that these fuels are limited and are being depleted at a rapid rate. Adding to this, these fuels derived from fossil fuels tend to contribute to greenhouse gases, which can have detrimental effects on the environment.  Bio-Diesel is an important alternative green energy fuel, because it does not take thousands of years to manufacture but can be produced on a human-controlled scale. Biodiesel can be manufactured from a wide range of organic waste fats and oils, and it is a cost-effective alternative for conventional diesel derived from petroleum. India has launched the ethanol blending program as well as biodiesel blending program which is a great step towards a greener future. Challenge in front of is now, is to scale up the production of biofuels

Vasanth also commented that India’s Ethanol production, as well as blending ratio in petrol, have increased significantly over the years, and this is a boost to the Indian sugar industry as well as the agricultural sector. Sugar industry is benefited because a significant number of Ethanol manufacturers in India use Molasses as the primary feedstock. Increase in production and blending of Ethanol as well as Biodiesel can reduce the country’s dependency on imported crude oil.