The influence of methyl esters on viscosity of biodiesel from waste and rapeseed oil blends

摘要

Purpose: The aim of this article is to present problems in the production of energy from the renewable resources as is a biodiesel production. The use of human foods that are pure edible oils for biodiesel production is big ethical problem. This problem can be reduced with use of waste cooking oils for the biodiesel production. Besides this use of the waste cooking oils will reduce the raw material cost and also reduce the environment pollution that is a global problem.Design/methodology/approach: This article includes analysis and estimation of the methyl esters impact to the kinematic viscosity of biodiesels produced from various percentages of waste cooking oils and crude rapeseed oil blends. One of the most important physical properties of biodiesel that affect its use value is kinematic viscosity properties which are directly dependent on the composition of raw materials. After the transesterification process mono-alkyl esters (biodiesel), glycerol (main co-product), alcohol, catalyst, free fatty acids, residual glycerides compose the final mixture of biodiesel production process. Some important issues on the biodiesel quality control involve the monitoring of transesterification process with the quantification of mono-alkyl esters.Findings: With an increase of methyl esters content the kinematic viscosity of produced biodiesels decreases for both waste cooking oils WCO1 and WCO2, used for biodiesel production in various blends with crude rapeseed oil.Practical implications: The results presented in the paper can be applied in the industry for estimation and selection of the optimal percentages of waste cooking oils and crude rapeseed oil blends for the biodiesel production.Originality/value: This paper presents research of the influence of methyl esters on kinematic viscosity of biodiesels produced from the various blends of waste cooking oils and crude rapeseed oil. The further testing and improvements in waste oils purification and in transesterification process can lead to the better yield in biodiesel production