Water Consumption in Biodiesel Production: Optimization through Measurement of Electrical Properties

P. A. SORICHETTI; S. D. ROMANO

Environmental Research Journal

NOVA Science Publishers Inc

Año: 2012 vol. 6 p. 231 - 240

1994-5396

This work discusses the measurement of electrical properties of water and effluent as a tool for the optimization of water use during the purification process in biodiesel production. Water consumption and effluent generation from biofuels production, although frequently ignored, can have a significant environmental impact, particularly on community drinking water supply and sewage systems. The amount of water used in the purification process of biodiesel is large if recovery techniques are not adopted. In small -and medium- scale production plants, where for economic reasons is not feasible to use such techniques, the water to purified-FAME volume ratio can reach values in the range from 100% to 150%. Moreover, the effluent from the production process of biodiesel is mainly in the wash water, containing varying amount of alcohol and catalyst. To achieve a sustainable biofuel production it is necessary to minimize the impact through proper plant design and control of the washing process during production. The results presented in this work show that the use of electrical techniques is a useful and economically viable contribution toward this goal.