Agricultural Research Service (ARS) researchers have developed a time-saving method that could be used to produce biodiesel fuel. This method eliminates oil seed extraction, which is typically required to produce biodiesel. Companies often produce biodiesel through a process requiring hexane to extract oil from oil seeds. This method requires an extra step to produce fuel—adding to production costs. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates and monitors hexane emissions and, as a consequence, there is industry interest in reducing hexane use and loss. ARS's invention uses alcohol and alkali catalysts added directly to
flaked oil seeds such as soy, coconut, corn, cotton, flax, rapeseed (canola), palm, safflower, or animal fats and oils to produce biodiesel. No prior oil purification or isolation is involved in ARS's method, potentially reducing production costs.
Another advantage of using ARS's biodiesel production method is that batch processing can be used, but continuous processing can also be readily envisioned. Biodiesel fuel is currently priced higher than petroleum-derived diesel fuel (about $2.20/gallon vs. $1.60/gallon). Reducing biodiesel production costs would give consumers a cheaper fuel alternative at the pump and add value to U.S. crops. U.S. sales of biodiesel jumped from 0.5 to 20 million gallons from 2000 to 2001—with a market value of at least $30 million.
Companies that conduct oil extraction for biodiesel production, or that conduct biodiesel production themselves will find this invention useful. Manufacturing and processing equipment companies could also use this invention.
ARS Develops New Method to Aid in
Producing Biodiesel Fuel (Click image to enlarge)
