Turn waste cooking oil into fuel

The results of the study of the ability to produce biodiesel from vegetable oil of the Research Center for Petrochemical Technology (Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology) have opened a new direction, finding a "cleaner" fuel source. and do not pollute the environment.

Biodiesel samples in the laboratory (Photo: ND)

Currently in Vietnam, diesel consumption is increasing.

In 1996, the consumption volume was 2,795 thousand tons, by 2005 consumption has nearly doubled (4,822 thousand tons), expected in 2010, this output is up to 7,168 thousand tons.

Laboratory results

In 2000, the research team from the Oil Processing Technology Department and the Refining and Petrochemical Center began studying the ability to produce biodiesel from vegetable oil sources. These are studies such as surveying the ability to directly mix vegetable oil and diesel oil to replace diesel and synthesize biodiesel from raw coconut oil, .

In order to reduce the cost of biodiesel production, engineer Phan Ngoc Anh and colleagues tested on the source of cooking oil emitted from the food processing process. This study has focused on the chemical esterification reaction of waste oil by using alkaline catalysts.

The survey results of the effects of fuel systems mixing up the technical features and exhaust components of the engine in idle and loaded mode show that the mixed sample is 20% biodiesel and 80% diesel is completely available. Can be used as an alternative fuel for traditional diesel.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Luong - Deputy Director of the Center for Filtration - Petrochemical said, this mixture does not use additives and engines nor replace any parts if using biodiesel oil. Comparing emissions when using biodiesel and diesel oil, the amount of carbon monoxide in engine exhaust is reduced by 65%, CO2 by 35%, dust emissions by 40%.

Is it real?

One of the main obstacles to widespread use of biodiesel is its cost. The cost of biodiesel is still about two times higher than the cost of diesel fuel. If biodiesel is produced from inexpensive raw materials such as waste cooking oil, it will be a widely used fuel source in the future.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Luong said, if the Center buys waste cooking oil for 2,000 - 3,000 VND / liter, biodiesel can be produced at a price of 6,000 - 7,000 VND / liter. This price can compete with the price of diesel on the market today (VND 7,900 / liter).

Some hotels in Ho Chi Minh City such as Kim Do, Grand, Huong Sen, Bong Sen, etc. expressed their support for biodiesel production project, ready to cooperate in collecting used cooking oil and quantity. grease separated from waste water.

Biodiesel factory in Zistersdorf (Austria).
(Photo: eipeldauer)

In addition, instant noodle and food processing plants are able to collect large quantities of waste oil and they are also willing to resell to the Center for biodiesel production. The Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City will also call for production facilities, restaurants, hotels, etc., to use vegetable oil in the project through a number of policies to help reduce environmental pollution. , cleaner production, .

Even so, Dr. Luong still wonders and worries that without the support of the State, the production of biodiesel will face many difficulties, in the short term, there should be appropriate tax policies to support development of biodiesel research and use as well as propaganda for people to understand because of the sustainable environment to enthusiastically participate in the project.

Biodiesel is also called biodiesel fuel for diesel engines derived from vegetable oils or animal fats.Biodiesel can be produced from any vegetable oil or animal fat, including used ones.In Vietnam, biodiesel can be produced from soybean oil, peanut, coconut oil, basa fat, . and used grease.

Biodiesel has many advantages, which are renewable energy sources;reduce environmental pollution and greenhouse effect;is non-toxic, biodegradable;direct use, extend engine life .