Associated Research Groups
Synthesis and Bioresources Chemistry
Faculty of Bioscience EngineeringDepartment of Organic Chemistry
Coupure Links 653
9000 Ghent
Belgium
Tel: +32 9 264 59 57
Fax: +32 9 264 62 43
Contact:
Biodiesel as a Safe and Environmentally Friendly Fuel
Biodiesel is fuel made from renewable resources such as vegetable oils or animal fats. It is biodegradable and non-toxic, and has significantly fewer emissions than petroleum-based diesel when burned. Biodiesel works in current engines, and is a candidate to replace fossil fuels as the world's primary transport energy source.
Biodiesel is classified as a non-flammable liquid which makes a vehicle fueled by pure biodiesel far safer in an accident than one powered by petroleum diesel or the explosively combustible gasoline. Precautions should be taken in very cold climates, where biodiesel may gel easier than petroleum diesel. Biodiesel can be distributed using today's infrastructure, and its use and production is increasing rapidly (especially in Europe, the United States, and Asia). Fuel stations are beginning to make biodiesel available to consumers, and a growing number of transport fleets use it as an additive in their fuel. The production cost of biodiesel is generally higher than that of petroleum diesel, although this differential may diminish due to economies of scale and the rising cost of petroleum.
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.
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. Especially the refining of animal fats, which are used for the production of electricity in stationary diesel engines represents a new entry.
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.
Collaboration is actively pursued to develop the technology that will drive the 'green' economy of the future. As innovation and new technology is typically created at the border between multiple disciplines, a network of laboratories within UGent actively assists and supports the efforts in the field of biodiesel and bio-energy.