Biodiesel Solutions André Y. Tremblay, P.Eng., Ph.D. Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Ottawa

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1 Biodiesel Solutions André Y. Tremblay, P.Eng., Ph.D. Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Ottawa PEO - Ottawa Chapter- Sustainability Seminar January 24 th, 2013

2 CO2 and Temperature vs. Time Spike since Industrial Revolution

3 U.S. Energy Flows % (efficiency) 80% 25%

4 The Diesel Engine First patented by Rudolf Diesel in His patent mentioned that the advantages over petrol were: a lower fire-risk, lower fuel consumption and a long service-life. His ideal was to use vegetable oil to support an agricultural based society and to enable independent craftsmen and artisans to compete with large industry. The development of the engine, in its early stages, was not helped by his disappearance on a channel crossing in 1913?

5 Oils and fats as fuels? Too viscous to be used directly in diesel engines Need major modifications to get a clean burn and meet emissions standards. Can damage engines. Solution: Split the oil or fat molecule (triglyceride) into 3 smaller molecules to form Biodiesel. Lowers the viscosity of the oil or fat and has the properties of regular diesel.

6 Sources of oils and fats Canola Soya bean Waste frying oils Animal fats Algae

7 Energy Yield Net Energy Balance for Various Fuels Gasoline Diesel Ethanol (2001) Ethanol (Cellulosic Crop) Biodiesel Energy Yield Output per unit input on a Life Cycle Basis Sources: USDA/DOE Study, Lifecycle Inventory of Biodiesel and Petroleum Diesel for Use in an Urban Bus. May Ethanol (2001) USDA study, The 2001 Net Energy Balance of Corn-Ethanol.

8 Ultra low sulfur: typically contains less than 15 parts per million (ppm) sulfur (sometimes as low as zero). Biodiesel improves lubricity 1% or 2% can improve lubricity of diesel fuels Ease of use: B2, B5 can be used in engines without modification B20 can be used in many newer engines B100 requires modifications but will run well.

9 Benefits to Human Health and Environment PM and HC emissions from diesel fuel combustion are toxic or are suspected of causing cancer and other life threatening illnesses. Biodiesel has recently been approved for use in closed quarters such as mines. PAHs can make up to 20% of fossil fuel diesels and are relatively soluble in water.

10 Splitting the oils and fats. Lipid (TG) + alcohol TG + alcohol DG + alcohol MG + alcohol Fatty acid alkyl ester (FAAE or biodiesel) + Glycerin DG + FAAE MG + FAAE FAAE + Glycerin Alcohol is methanol gives FAME ethanol gives FAEE

11 Splitting the oils and fats. Lipid (TG) + alcohol TG + alcohol DG + alcohol MG + alcohol Fatty acid alkyl ester (FAAE or biodiesel) + Glycerin DG + FAAE MG + FAAE FAAE + Glycerin Alcohol is methanol gives FAME ethanol gives FAEE

12 Current challenges in commercial production of biodiesel Biodiesel is not a Distillate In the case of petrodiesel: purity and quality is assured by phase change (liquid-vapour) leaving behind tars and other heavies.

13 Current challenges in commercial production of biodiesel Biodiesel is not a Distillate In the case of petrodiesel: purity and quality is assured by phase change (liquid-vapour) leaving behind tars and other heavies. Conventional biodiesel production: unreacted oil and unreactables are retained in the product. (distillation is not cost effective, oxygenated fuel).

14 Current challenges in commercial production of biodiesel Biodiesel is not a Distillate In the case of petrodiesel: purity and quality is assured by phase change (liquid-vapour) leaving behind tars and other heavies. Conventional biodiesel production: unreacted oil and unreactables are retained in the product. (distillation is not cost effective, oxygenated fuel). Need new technology to provide the purity and quality assurance of distillation (as in petroleum refining) without the energy cost.

15 Membrane Reactor Definition: a device for simultaneously carrying out a reaction and separation in the same physical enclosure.

16 Membrane Reactor Definition: a device for simultaneously carrying out a reaction and separation in the same physical enclosure. Can affect yield-enhancement of equilibrium limited reactions by removing product(s).

17 Membrane reactor concept for Biodiesel Production Retentate oil Permeate Methanol Catalyst Glycerol oil oil Methanol Catalyst Glycerol oil

18 Continuous Biodiesel Production

19 Membrane reactor concept for Biodiesel Production Retentate Membrane (Pore Size: 0.05 microns) oil Permeate Methanol Catalyst Glycerol oil oil Methanol Catalyst Glycerol oil

20 Membrane Reactor Lab Pilot Scale - NSERC I2I grant

21 Biodiesel (not filtered)

22 Spin-off company formed A spin-off company BDR Technologies was set-up by The University of Ottawa to commercialize the Membrane Reactor Technology To date, patents were obtained in China, Singapore, and Indonesia, other jurisdictions pending. US patent # 8,366,794, Tremblay, AY, Dube, MA, Feb 5 th 2013.

23 Acknowledgements NSERC SDTC Sustainable Chemistry Alliance Innovation Demonstration Fund Ontario.