As the world searches for cleaner, more sustainable alternatives to traditional energy sources and fuel types, biodiesel has emerged as a practical alternative to conventional petrol or diesel-based fuel. One of the most fascinating aspects of biodiesel production is that it can be made from something like used cooking oil from restaurants, schools, caterers, factories, food manufacturers and more. What was once kitchen waste can be transformed into a renewable fuel that can change the way we power our communities, from cars to electricity and everything in between. In this article, we’ll be explaining what biodiesel is, how it’s made and what the benefits are of using biodiesel over more conventional fuel types. So, let’s dive right in.
What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that’s made from biological sources like animal fats, recycled cooking oil or vegetable oils. Unlike fossil diesel, biodiesel is non-toxic, produces fewer harmful emissions and is biodegradable, even when burnt.
Chemically, biodiesel consists of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). It’s created throughout a process that alters the structure of fats and oils. This is so they can function properly in conventional diesel engines. But how is biodiesel made?
How is used cooking oil turned into biodiesel?
You’re likely wondering how biodiesel is made, now that you know what it is. Let’s take a closer look, step-by-step, at how used cooking oil is turned into a renewable fuel for use throughout the wider community:
Step one: collection & filtration
This is how the biodiesel from used cooking oil process begins. It’s collected using a dedicated waste cooking oil collection service from Cater Oils from restaurants, caterers and other businesses. Used cooking oil will often contain things like food particles, water and general impurities as a result of frying. As such, the oil must be filtered thoroughly before any chemical processing can occur. This is done using cloth screens and mesh filters. The oil may also be gently heated to evaporate excess water. This is because water can interfere with later chemical reactions.
Step two: testing the oil
Not all used cooking oil will be the same. Some oils can contain higher levels of free fatty acids (FFAs), for instance. This is especially the case if the cooking oil has been repeatedly heated to high temperatures. Producers often perform a titration test. This is done to determine how much catalyst is needed. This step ensures an efficient chemical reaction resulting in high-quality biodiesel.
Step three: transesterification (the chemical process)
The heart of biodiesel production is a chemical reaction called ‘transesterification’. This occurs when the filtered oil is mixed with alcohol (usually methanol), and a catalyst is then added, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. The catalyst is what helps to break apart the oil’s triglyceride molecules and rearrange them into biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters) and glycerol, which is a byproduct. This reaction takes place for around one to two hours at temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius.
Step four: separation of biodiesel & glycerol
After the reaction is complete, the mixture needs to settle. Glycerol is denser than biodiesel, which is why it sinks to the bottom. Within several hours, biodiesel forms the top layer, and, as you’ve probably assumed, glycerol collects at the bottom. The glycerol is the substance that’s drained off. But it can be further refined for use in other products, like soap, industrial chemicals or even cosmetics.
Step five: washing the biodiesel
Freshly produced biodiesel contains traces of methanol, catalyst and soap residues. As such, those impurities need to be removed. Therefore, the biodiesel is washed with water. This often involves mist washing or bubble washing, where water absorbs contaminants without disturbing the fuel. After washing, the it’s allowed to settle further so that the water can eventually be drained away.
Step six: drying & quality testing
Any remaining water must be removed to prevent problems with the engine further down the line. Drying can be done simply by: gentle heating, air bubbling, or simply allowing more time for evaporation. Finally, the biodiesel is tested for quality factors, such as clarity, water content and viscosity. Once the required standards have been met, the biodiesel is ready to use.
What are the benefits of turning used cooking oil into biodiesel?
You might be wondering what the benefits are of taking used cooking oil and turning it into biodiesel. The short answer? There are multiple benefits associated with the process and the derivative of it. Aside from being incredibly eco-friendly, some of the other benefits to be had by turning waste cooking oil into biodiesel are as follows:
- It’s better all around for public health
- It protects the environment and the planet
- Biodiesel improves fuel lubricity, therefore causing less wear and tear on the engine, its parts and its components
- Biodiesel is high performing, therefore enhancing overall engine function
- It reduces greenhouse gases associated with petrol and diesel fuel when burnt
- It’s safe to use
- It causes less damage than petrol or diesel fuel
- It’s more energy efficient than petrol or diesel fuel
- It reduces dependence on foreign fuel supplies
- It’s sustainable and renewable
- It prevents the incorrect and irresponsible disposal of waste
- It’s cheaper than conventional fuel types
- You can receive cash or a credit note against fresh supplies of cooking oil when you choose Cater Oils to collect used cooking oil from your premises
How is biodiesel used throughout the community?
Biodiesel is used for a wide range of different things throughout the wider community. Whether it be local or further afield, it’s beneficial to a number of people and organisations. From reducing restaurants’ carbon footprints to fuelling lorries on the roads, and everything in between, biodiesel contributes to the community in more ways than you might have otherwise thought, no matter where you live. Just some of the ways in which biodiesel can be used throughout the community are as follows:
- It’s an eco-friendly energy source
- It can be used by everyone
- It creates jobs for local people
- It supports local communities and economies
- It can be used by several industries, including transportation, heating and agriculture
- It reduces businesses’ carbon footprints throughout the local area
- It protects drains and pipework as oil isn’t being incorrectly disposed of
Cater Oils is pleased to offer used cooking oil collection services to an impressive range of businesses and organisations throughout the country. In exchange, we will give you cash or a credit note against a fresh supply of cooking oil. We can also supply fresh cooking oil, such as olive oil, rapeseed oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil and pomace oil. If you’d like further information, get in touch with a member of our friendly, professional team today – we’re always happy to hear from you.
