(602bi) Development of Biodiesel Production Facility for Utilizing Waste Cooking Oil

Development
of Biodiesel Production Facility for Utilizing Waste Cooking Oil

Brian Delancy, Brook Hopkins and Justinus
Satrio

Department of
Chemical Engineering

Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085

Three
years ago, a team of chemical engineering students at Villanova University developed,
constructed, and began operating a biodiesel production facility that reuses
the waste cooking oil produced from Villanova University dining centers. The
production facility is designed to process an annual maximum of 3500 gallons of
waste cooking oil. Over the past two years, additional process systems, including
a methanol recovery system and soap-production process have been developed as a
way to utilize the reaction's glycerol by-product. The focus of our current
research is multifaceted, but focuses primarily on the production optimization
and output maximization of Villanova's Biodiesel Production Facility. Several
quantitative analysis techniques, including Calorimetry
and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy were introduced to measure and
maintain quality control of the biodiesel product. Improved methanol recycling
techniques and natural soap production minimize any waste, thus making the
process more economically efficient and environmentally friendly. Finally, the
project increased its relations with Villanova Grounds and Maintenance Department,
providing the University with a biodiesel power option in accordance with the
University's ?Green Energy? initiative. The Villanova Biodiesel Team also
worked to expand the program into the local community through a marketing plan,
in partnership with the Engineering Advisory Board.