Propylene Glycol Production from Glycerol: Processing of a Biodiesel Synthesis Byproduct

Recent rising costs of petroleum in addition to environmental and national security concerns have accelerated the development and commercialization of alternative fuels and derivatives. This project focuses on glycerol, a byproduct during the production of biodiesel and soap. Biodiesel, a diesel-equivalent processed fuel derived from biological sources has the advantage of biodegradability and non-toxicity; in addition, it has significantly fewer emissions than petroleum-based diesel when burned. During the production of biodiesel, significant amounts of glycerol will be formed in biobased fuel economy. Existing glycerol markets are not sufficient to satisfy the expected supply that will be generated. This research focuses on converting glycerol to propylene glycol utilizing copper chromite catalysts.The main applications in the industry of propylene glycol include moisturizers in medicines, cosmetics, food, tobacco products, aircraft deicing fluid, and automobile antifreeze. The production of propylene glycol will be studied in a well mixed liquid phase mini-reactor under hydrogen flow. Samples will be obtained continuously from the reactor for analytical determination. Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometer detector (GC-MS) and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy will be used to determine the reactant and products concentrations. Previous studies in the literature indicate that 54% conversion of glycerol to propylene glycol is possible.