biodiesel

Biodiesel From Soybeans

For generations Americans have been running their trucks, boats, generators, etc on #2 diesel fuel. What if there was a diesel fuel that could be derived from common domestic crops? Research preformed by universities and various agricultural research companies conclude that there very well may be. But even after all the research there still is not an agreed upon technique for production of this fuel. This paper will follow initial steps in the creation of a new environmentally friendly fuel additive.
There are three tried-and-tested lab procedures for the production biodiesel. The most common is base catalyzed transesterification. This is the most common due to the low temperature and pressure required for reaction. Base catalyzed esterification also has a 98% conversion with minimal side reactions. The fuel produced this way is done with no intermediate compounds or exotic materials of construction. The major drawback of this procedure i...