Production of Biodiesel and Biofuel from Oils and Fats
The objective of the Laboratory for Chemical and Lipid Technology is the production of biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters) and biofuel (triacylglycerides and derivatives) from crude oils, refined oils, waste oils and fats. Collaboration is actively pursued to develop the technology that will drive the green economy of the future.
The strategy consists of two parts. The first deals with the processing and refining of lipids prior to the conversion into biodiesel or biofuel. The processing used involves fractionation of fats, degumming, bleaching (via adsorption) and deodorisation. The second part, conversion of lipids into biodiesel, involves a two step procedure: an acid catalysed esterification and an alkaline catalysed inter-esterification. The chemistry and technology are studied in order to produce biodiesel in agreement with the European Standards.

Faculty of Bioscience Engineering
Department of Organic Chemistry
Ghent University
Coupure Links 653
B-9000 Ghent
Tel: +32 9 264 59 57
Fax: +32 9 264 62 43
chris.stevens@ugent.be
roland.verhe@ugent.be
www.synbioc.ugent.be