Biodiesel Purification by Solvent-Aided Crystallization Using 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran.

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Biodiesel purification is crucial for meeting fuel quality standards.
• Previous Solvent-Aided Crystallization (SAC) used 1-butanol, necessitating exploration of greener alternatives.
• Optimizing SAC parameters is key to enhancing biodiesel purity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve biodiesel purification technology using Solvent-Aided Crystallization (SAC).
• To evaluate 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) as a sustainable alternative solvent.
• To achieve higher purity of biodiesel through optimized SAC process parameters.

Main Methods:

• Crude biodiesel was produced via transesterification.
• Biodiesel purification was conducted using Solvent-Aided Crystallization (SAC) with 2-MeTHF.
• Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) composition was analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).

Main Results:

• Optimized SAC parameters were determined: -4 °C coolant temperature, 10 min cooling time, and 210 rpm stirring speed.
• The use of 2-MeTHF as an assisting solvent significantly impacted the purification process.
• High purity of FAME was achieved, meeting required standards.

Conclusions:

• 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) is an effective assisting solvent for biodiesel purification via SAC.
• Optimized SAC parameters significantly enhance biodiesel purity.
• The developed method offers a technologically improved route for producing high-purity biodiesel.