Process for Production
Transesterification is the most commonly used process for biodiesel production. This process involves a catalyzed reaction of triglycerides with alcohol to produce biodiesel. It is a three step process in which first triglycerides are converted to diglycerides, then into monoglycerides, and finally into glycerol and biodiesel. The use of heterogeneous catalysts and enzymes has helped improve the quality and quantity of biodiesel. Crude biodiesel obtained from simple transesterification has many impurities and is not notable fuel. A membrane reactor is used to get the biodiesel to higher purity. This decreases the yield of biodiesel and decreases the difficulties encountered during purification of biodiesel. |
Ethanol is obtained in the fermentation process outlined in figure 2. It is in the aqueous form commonly called hydrous alcohol. The hydrous ethanol is then concentrated and dehydrated in order to be used commercially and prevent corrosion related problems. This is not widely used because of its high cost and lower heating value. Mixing ethanol with gasoline can balance the advantages and limitations to give optimum performance. |
Hydrogen comprises more than 75% of matter in the universe. The most abundant sources of hydrogen are water, biomass, natural gas, and coal. After Hydrogen is extracted from the environment, it can be converted in the form of liquid for convenience in storage, use, and transport. It is stored in containers, pumped through pipelines, metered, and restricted by valves. Storage of hydrogen is one of the most critical issues. |
By liquefying gas the volume is reduced 600 times. The PRICO process is a simple liquefaction process for natural gas that is currently in use in multiple plants worldwide. In the process natural gas enters the heat exchanger at ambient temperature and high pressure. The natural gas is condensed, liquefied, and sub cooled in the heat exchanger before the pressure is reduced to atmospheric conditions. A pressure reduction will reduce the temperature of the final LNG product. |