BIODIESEL PRODUCTION FROM REFINED PALM

OIL THROUGH TRANSESTERIFICATION: EFFECT

IN A PILOT THERMAL PLANT

Jorge Vicente Guzmán Laverde 1

jorgev.guzmanl@ecci.edu.co

https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5991-3065

Brayan Ignacio Cardozo Miranda

bcardozom@ecci.edu.co

https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5540-0130

Andrea Aparicio Gallo

aapariciog@ecci.edu.co

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3425-3693

Universidad ECCI

Colombia

when mixed with diesel in various proportions, exhibits significant potential, as its properties align with

quality standards, particularly concerning power generation and gas emissions in the pilot thermal plant at

ECCI University.

Keyword: biodiesel production, refined palm oil, transesterification, ethanol, pilot thermal plant

mediante transesterificación con etanol e investiga su impacto en una planta térmica piloto, abarcando

caracterizaciones tanto físicas como ambientales. El estudio se adhiere a la norma ASTM D 6751, que

delinea especificaciones para combustibles de origen no fósil. Los resultados indican que el biodiésel

derivado de RPO, cuando se mezcla con diésel en diversas proporciones, presenta un potencial significativo,

ya que sus propiedades se alinean con los estándares de calidad, particularmente en lo que respecta a la

generación de energía y las emisiones de gases en la planta térmica piloto de la Universidad ECCI.

Palabra clave: producción de biodiesel, aceite refinado de palma, transesterificación, etanol, planta térmica

piloto

INTRODUCTION

with diesel, a percentage expected to rise over time [1]. This necessitates the exploration of biodiesel

production from conventional raw materials such as palm, soy, and corn [2].

The use of refined palm oil as an alternative fuel source has gained traction due to its ecological,

biodegradable, and non-toxic attributes, among others, which were stipulated in the Kyoto Protocol [3].

Additionally, biodiesel is produced cleanly and, in the event of accidental spills, is less polluting than fossil

fuels. Furthermore, it represents a 100% renewable and environmentally friendly source of energy [4,5].

This biofuel was produced using the transesterification method, the predominant technique in industrial

production when vegetable oils are employed as raw materials. This method entails the reaction of esters

(monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides) with alcohol (ethanol) and a catalyst, resulting in the

conversion of triglycerides into biodiesel and glycerin. This transesterification process [6,7] is illustrated in

quality of non-fossil fuel production, specifically focusing on biodiesel [9].

These tests were conducted utilizing certified and calibrated equipment and instruments provided by ECCI

University and the Uniagraria University Foundation of Colombia, ensuring the reliability of the obtained

results. Initially, the physical properties of density and viscosity were determined. Viscosity is defined as a

fluid's resistance to flow when subjected to an applied force. High-viscosity fluids exhibit resistance to

flow, while low-viscosity fluids flow easily. Viscosity is influenced by factors such as temperature and

pressure [10].

Subsequently, density was calculated, representing the mass contained within a specified volume. Density

can be expressed in absolute terms, denoting mass per unit volume, or relative terms, indicating the

relationship between a substance's density and a reference density. In the latter case, it results in a

dimensionless magnitude without units [10]. Following these tests, the flash point was determined, serving

calculated, including the consumption rate per minute for various biodiesel-diesel mixtures (B0, B10, B20,

B30, B50, B70, and B100), gas emissions utilizing the BACHARAC model PCA-65 analyzer, and

mechanical power using the digital dynamometer LUTRON reference FG-5100.

The primary objective of this study is to produce biodiesel from refined palm oil through the process of

transesterification with ethanol, assessing its impact on a pilot thermal plant, and characterizing its physical

and environmental properties.

METHODOLOGY

This research falls into multiple categories, including exploratory, descriptive, correlational, and

explanatory types. It encompasses the establishment of causal relationships between variables and

measurements to comprehend the resulting effects [11].

The procedural framework was designed in four distinct phases with the primary objective of producing a

high-quality product that adheres to the environmental emission standards outlined in the ASTM standard.

These sequential phases are visually depicted in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Methodological Phases [23]

Following the dissolution, the catalyst-ethanol solution was combined with the vegetable oil in a 1000 ml

four-neck glass reactor. The reaction mixture was brought to a state of ebullition while ensuring the

connection of water supply hoses to the full reflux condenser to maintain the necessary cooling. The

reaction proceeded for a duration of 90 minutes.

Upon completion of this period, any excess ethanol was distilled or removed from the reaction mixture until

it became turbid. Subsequently, the mixture was transferred to a separating funnel and allowed to stand for

a period of 24 hours. This duration allowed the formation of two distinct layers, as depicted in

Figure 3: one consisting of glycerin and the other of biodiesel.

Figure 3. Separation of biodiesel from glycerin [23]

Density

The measurement of density, denoted as mass per unit volume, is conducted in grams per milliliter at

ambient room temperature, as prescribed by the formula outlined in standard NTC 336 [13]. The procedure

encompasses the following sequential steps:

1. Preliminary calibration of the pycnometer at the ambient room temperature.

2. Computation of the pycnometer's precise volume.

2. Inverting the viscometer instrument and subsequently applying suction to tube L.

3. Immersing tube N within the liquid sample and withdrawing the liquid until it reaches the

4. Ensuring the drying of arm N and returning the viscometer to its upright vertical position.

5. Placement of the viscometer within a specialized receptacle affixed to the equipment, followed by

6. Allowing the liquid sample to attain a precisely regulated temperature of 40 °C, followed by a

7. Application of suction to tube N, accompanied by gentle agitation to ensure the liquid rises slightly

8. Accurate measurement of the flow time, as the liquid traverses freely from the designated point E

Acid Number

The determination of the ACID NUMBER adheres to the ASTM 664-07 standard [15], which involves

quantifying the quantity of milligrams of potassium hydroxide necessary to neutralize the free fatty acids

present within 1 gram of the sample, expressed in milligrams per gram (mg/g). The procedure begins by

selecting a sample size proportionate to the anticipated acidity percentage, as detailed in Table 1.

Subsequently, the potassium hydroxide solution is dissolved in 125 mL of titration solvent that has been

previously neutralized. To serve as a pH indicator, four (4) drops of phenolphthalein are introduced into the

solution. Simultaneously, the solution is stirred, and titration is performed with the potassium hydroxide

solution until reaching the endpoint, characterized by the emergence of a clear solution. This method allows

for the accurate determination of the ACID NUMBER, a vital parameter in the characterization of sample

acidity.

Tables

Table 1 Mass of test proportion

Table 2. Biodiesel characterization [16]

Table 3. Gas analyzer measurement parameters

Table 4. Results obtained from the characterization of biodiesel [23]

Table 5 presents a summary of gas emissions obtained from the gas analyzer installed in the chimney of

the pilot plant at ECCI University, along with biodiesel consumption and emissions test details [23].

CONCLUSIONS

The biodiesel produced in this study exhibits several environmental advantages compared to fossil

diesel. It has a higher flash point (130°C) in contrast to petroleum-based diesel (52°C) [28], making it

less prone to combustion. Biodiesel is biologically active and biodegradable, unlike diesel, which is

In terms of fuel efficiency, B100 emerges as the most efficient biodiesel-diesel mixture, while the B20

blend proves to be the least efficient. The B100 mixture demonstrates an impressive 26.45% increase in

efficiency compared to the B20 blend.

These conclusions highlight the promising environmental and efficiency advantages of the biodiesel

produced in this study. The findings underscore its potential as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative

to conventional diesel, with particular merit for B100 as a highly efficient fuel blend. Further research

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES

[1] F. Torossi, “Reacciones en contexto: la transesterificación en la producción de biodiesel a partir de

aceite de fritura usado,” An. la Real Soc. Española Química, vol. 102, no. 3, pp. 43– 49, 2006.

[2] S. Vásquez, “Lo que hay detrás del negocio de la Palma de Aceite,” Agronegocios e industria de

alimentos, 2016. [Online]. Available: https://agronegocios.uniandes.edu.co/2016/03/21/loque-hay-

detras-del-negocio-de-la-palma-de-aceite/. [Accessed: 20-Jun-2018].

[3] V. A. Yate Segura, “Evaluación del proceso de extracción del aceite de Jatropha curcas L. para la

producción de biodiésel,” Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 2013.

[4] M. A. Sierra S, “Evaluación del potencial de diferentes materias primas para la industria de

biocombustibles,” UNIAGRARIA, pp. 1–31, 2017.

[5] R. Ximhai, C. Castro-Martínez, ; Laura, I. Beltrán-Arredondo, and J. Carlos Ortiz-Ojeda,

[7] M. de A. y D. Sostenible, “Protocolo de Kioto.” [Online]. Available:

http://www.minambiente.gov.co/index.php/component/content/article/458-plantilla-cambioclimatico-14.

[Accessed: 20-Jun-2018].

[8] F. Osorio Múnera, Juan David; Correa Restrepo, “Valoración económica de costos ambientales:

Marco conceptual y métopdos de estimación,” Semest. Económico, vol. 7, no. 13, pp. 159–193,

2004.

[11] ZUÑIGA MOBARAK MAXIMILIANO, “SIMULACIÓN DE UN REACTOR QUÍMICO PARA

LA OBTENCIÓN DE BIODIESEL A PARTIR DE LA TRANSESTERIFICACIÓN DE ACIETE

DE JATROPHA,” INSTITUTO POLITÉCNICO NACIONAL, 2014.

[12] U. Unidad de Planeación Minero Energética, “Proyección de Demanda de Energía Eléctrica en

Colombia, Ministerio de Minas y Energía - República de Colombia.” 2013.

[13] Enersinc, “Energy Demand Situation in Colombia,” 2017.

[14] N. Esteve Gómez, “Energización de las zonas no interconectadas a partir de las energias renovables

solar y eólica,” Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, 2011.

[15] A. Flórez, Hernán Jorge;, T. O. David, C. Quintero, and A. Gustavo., “Ha sido efectiva la promoción

de soluciones energéticas en las zonas no interconectadas (ZNI) en Colombia?: un análisis de la

estructura institucional,” Cuad. Adm., vol. 22, pp. 219–245, 2009.

Colombia.” 2012.

[19] U.S. Department of Energy, “Alternative Fuels Data Center: Natural Gas Fuel Basics,” 2014.

[Online]. Available: https://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/biodiesel_basics.html. [Accessed: 17Jul-

2018].

[20] I. Retana and J. Bonilla, “Transferecia tecnológica sobre las ventajas y desventajas de la utilización

de biodiesel,” p. 44, 2008.

APARTADAS DE LA ORINOQUIA COLOMBIANA,” Orinoquia, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 59–69, Jan.

2003.

[22] F. A. Avellaneda Vargas, “Producción y caracterización de biodiesel de palma y de aceite reclicado

mediante un proceso batch y un proceso continuo con un reactor helicoidal,” Univ. Rovira i Virgili,

pp. 1–244, Aug. 2010.

[23] G. L. F. G. M. Jorge, “Autores.” 2020.

[24] N. K. Patel, P. S. Nagar, and S. N. Shah, “Identification of Non-edible Seeds as Potential Feedstock

for the Production and Application of Bio-diesel,” vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 67–78, 2013.

[25] F. OLMEDO, “Producción de biodiesel con aceite de Jatropha Curcas - BiodiSol,” UNESCO

BRASIL, 2010. [Online]. Available: http://www.biodisol.com/biocombustibles/produccion-

debiodiesel-a-partir-de-aceite-de-jatropha-curcas/. [Accessed: 19-Mar-2018].

[28] P. Mazo, L. Rios, and G. Restrepo, Métodos alternativos para la producción de Biodisel. Microondas

y Ultrasonido, vol. 20, no. 1. 2007.

[29] E. Sendzikiene, K. Kazancev, and I. Kazanceva, “APPLICATION OF USED FOR FRYING OIL

FOR BIODIESEL FUEL PRODUCTION,” Ecol. Saf., vol. 8, pp. 62–70, 2014.

[30] C. Systems, “CT Systems | Biodiesel technologies,” 2018. [Online]. Available:

http://ctsystems.ua/?lang=es. [Accessed: 18-Jul-2018].

[32] M. Rincón and D. Martínez, “Análisis de las propiedades del aceite de palma en el desarrollo de su

industria,” Rev. Palmas, vol. 30, no. 2, pp. 11–24, 2009.

[33] C. J. Claudia Marcela; Loaiza, Jair Leopoldo; Cortés, Producción de ésteres etílicos a partir de aceite

de palma RBD, vol. 26, no. 3. [Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Facultad de Ingeniería], 2006.

[34] M. G. Baca López and R. Paredes Rosario, “Análisis de factibilidad del cambio de petroleo residual

6 por biodiesel en calderas de vapor saturado de 400 BHP,” Medellín, 2011.

[35] Twenergy, “Biodiésel: ventajas y desventajas - Twenergy,” 2012. [Online]. Available:

https://twenergy.com/a/biodiesel-ventajas-y-desventajas-196. [Accessed: 08-Jun-2019].

[36] J. César, B. Prisco, J. Esteban, and O. Berrío, “DISEÑO Y CONSTRUCCIÓN DE UN

PROTOTIPO DE CALDERA QUE USA COMO COMBUSTIBLE CÁSCARA DE JATROPHA

CURCA,” 2010.

[39] “Necesidades de aire de combustión | Academia Testo.” [Online]. Available:

http://www.academiatesto.com.ar/cms/necesidades-de-aire-de-combustion. [Accessed: 10-Apr2020].

[40] FAO, “Situación del mercado de biocombustibles,” Perspect. agrícolas, 2016.

[41] T. L. Alleman, R. L. McCormick, E. D. Christensen, G. Fioroni, K. Moriart, and J. Yanowitz,

“Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide (Fifth Edition),” 2016.

[42] M. Hajjari, M. Tabatabaei, M. Aghbashlo, and H. Ghanavati, “A review on the prospects of

[43] W. B. Association, “GLOBAL BIOENERGY STATISTICS 2019,” pp. 1–58, 2019.

[44] A. da S. César, D. E. Werderits, G. L. de Oliveira Saraiva, and R. C. da S. Guabiroba, “The potential

of waste cooking oil as supply for the Brazilian biodiesel chain,” Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol.

72, pp. 246–253, May 2017.

[45] M. G. Baca López and R. Paredes Rosario, “Análisis de pre factibilidad del cambio de petróleo

residual 6 por biodiesel en calderas de vapor saturado de 400 BHP,” 9th Lat. Am. Caribb. Conf. Eng.

Technol., pp. 1–10, 2011.

[46] C. C. Leiva Bautista, “La utilización del metanol como biocombustible,” Reflex. Real. Reflect., vol.

31, pp. 9–30, 2011.

[47] C. A. Cardona Alzate, “Perspectivas de la producción de biocombustibles en Colombia: contextos

latinoamericano y mundial.,” Rev. Ing., no. 29, pp. 109–120, 2009.

[50] N. Plata, Vladimir Plata; Kafarov, Viatcheslav; Moreno, “Desarrollo de una metodología de

transesterificación de aceite en la cadena de producción de biodiesel a partir de microalgas,”

PROSPECTIVA, vol. 7, no. 2, Universidad Autonoma del Caribe, pp. 35–41, 2009JA Posada-Duque

and CA Cardona-Alzate, “Analysis of the refining of glycerin obtained as a co-product in the

production of biodiesel,” Ing. Y Univ., Vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 9–28, 2010.

[51] J. A. Posada-Duque and C. A. Cardona-Alzate, “Análisis de la refinación de glicerina obtenida como

[53] A. Macor and P. Pavanello, “Performance and emissions of biodiesel in a boiler for residential

heating,” Energy, vol. 34, no. 12, pp. 2025–2032, Dec. 2009.

[54] A. Ghorbani, B. Bazooyar, A. Shariati, S. M. Jokar, H. Ajami, and A. Naderi, “A comparative study

of combustion performance and emission of biodiesel blends and diesel in an experimental boiler,”

Appl. Energy, vol. 88, no. 12, pp. 4725–4732, Dec. 2011.

[55] G. Kilic, B. Sungur, B. Topaloglu, and H. Ozcan, “Experimental analysis on the performance and

emissions of diesel/butanol/biodiesel blended fuels in a flame tube boiler,” Appl. Therm. Eng., vol.

130, pp. 195–202, Feb. 2018.

[56] R. Hernández Sampieri, C. Fernández Collado, and P. Baptista Lucio, Metodología de la

investigación. McGraw Hill, 2006.

[57] R. Bono Cabré, “Diseños cuasiexperimentales y longitudinales,” in DISEÑO DE

aceite de atún 1,” Pasto (Nariño), 2018.

[63] E. A. Bulla-Pereira, C. A. Guerrero-Fajardo, and F. E. Sierra-Vargas, “Producción de biodiésel por

etanolisis utilizando aceites de fritura de hoteles y su uso en calderas pirotubulares,” ITECKNE, vol.

12, no. 1, 2015.

[64] J. Laverde-Múnera, P. N. Alvarado-Torres, W. Ruiz-Machado, and C. Químicas, “Cinética de la

oxidación de un carbonizado de carbón Efecto del contenido de oxígeno y metano en la cinética de

[65] A. Ghorbani, B. Bazooyar, A. Shariati, S. M. Jokar, H. Ajami, and A. Naderi, “A comparative study

of combustion performance and emission of biodiesel blends and diesel in an experimental boiler,”

Appl. Energy, vol. 88, no. 12, pp. 4725–4732, 2011. [66] Repsol, “Ficha técnica Diesel.”