Optimization Of Low Cost Biodiesel Washing Process In Developing Countries

Producing biodiesel from vegetable oils is commonly carried out around the world. However, most techniques for producing biodiesel rely on sophisticated production methods that aren't appropriate for rural or remote regions of developing countries. Tropical regions such as Cameroon in Central Africa are usually rich in biological resources, such as oil seeds. Most villages have limited resources so a low-tech appropriate technology based approach is required. This presentation will focus on solving a key challenge in the production of biodiesel from vegetable oil – removing the soap produced as a side product of thetransesterification reaction – in a simple and cost effective method for underdeveloped regions. This project has been developed by the University of Kentucky Appropriate Technology and Sustainability (UKATS) Research Team. This project is part of a student led People, Prosperity and the Planet design project, sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Award No. SU835303