Controlled crushing device-intensified direct biodiesel production of

Area of Science:

• Biomass Conversion
• Renewable Energy Sources
• Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

• Oleaginous insect larvae, such as Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, present a viable alternative to traditional oleaginous biomass for biodiesel production due to their high oil content.
• Direct transesterification is an efficient method for converting lipids into biodiesel, but optimization is key for industrial application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the direct transesterification of BSF larvae for biodiesel production.
• To determine the optimal conditions for maximizing biodiesel conversion using a controllable crushing device (CCD) and a homogeneous base catalyst.
• To evaluate the green metrics and biodiesel properties of the produced fuel.

Main Methods:

• Direct transesterification of BSF larvae was performed using a controllable crushing device (CCD).
• Key reaction parameters including catalyst concentration (wt.%), BSF larvae to methanol ratio (wt./v), reaction time (min), and rotational speed (rpm) were systematically varied.
• Biodiesel conversion efficiency was measured, and green metrics were calculated.

Main Results:

• A maximum biodiesel conversion of 93.8% was achieved under optimized conditions: room temperature, 20 min reaction time, 1:2 larvae to methanol ratio, 7 wt% catalyst concentration, and 3000 rpm rotational speed.
• The green metrics analysis indicated reduced waste generation and lower solvent usage compared to conventional methods.
• The physicochemical properties of the produced BSF-biodiesel met established biodiesel standards.

Conclusions:

• The CCD-intensified direct transesterification of BSF larvae is a highly promising method for green and energy-efficient biodiesel production.
• BSF larvae represent a sustainable and potent feedstock for the renewable energy sector.
• This optimized process offers a scalable and environmentally friendly approach to biodiesel manufacturing.