Abstract

CESARE C., Mary Flor et al. Biodiesel purification assessment at its final production stage. Rev. Soc. Quím. Perú [online]. 2010, vol.76, n.1, pp.25-33. ISSN 1810-634X.

In this research, an alternate biodiesel purification method was assessed at its final production stage. Biodiesel was made from soybean and palm oils (crude oil and RBD), whose acidity indexes were measured after processing oils. In this purification process, (oil transesterification), main derivates (methyl esters) and secondary derivates (soaps, glycerol) were produced; the latter had to be eliminated by washing, because of their detrimental effects on combustion engines and the environment. The traditional wash and dry process was modified by increasing the washing temperature, using water at 90ºC. The biodiesel derivatives quality was evaluated by measuring their acidity, glycerol (free and total) and soap content (AOCS methods). The hot water washing method produced better products, indicated by lower acidity indexes and lower contents of soaps and glycerol. Soybeans biofuels using hot water washing met all the requirements of the Peruvian Technical Standard NTP B100 Biodiesel 321.125.2007 and international standards such as ASTM's and EN's; however palm biofuels obtained using hot water washing exceeded slightly the total glycerol percentage established in the above mentioned standards.

Keywords : Energy; renewable energies; biofuel; biodiesel; environment.

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