Upstream and downstream strategies to economize biodiesel production.
In recent years biodiesel has drawn considerable amount of attention as a clean and renewable fuel. Biodiesel is produced from renewable sources such as vegetable oils and animal fat mainly through catalytic or non-catalytic transesterification method as well as supercritical method. However, as a consequence of disadvantages of these methods, the production cost increases dramatically. This article summarizes different biodiesel production methods with a focus on their advantages and disadvantages. The downstream and upstream strategies such as using waste cooking oils, application of non-edible plant oils, plant genetic engineering, using membrane separation technology for biodiesel production, separation and purification, application of crude glycerin as an energy supplement for ruminants, glycerin ultra-purification and their consequent roles in economizing the production process are fully discussed in this article.
Biodiesel Research Team (BRT), Microbial Biotechnology and Biosafety Department, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII), Seed and Plant Improvement Institute's Campus, 31535-1897, Mahdasht Road, Karaj, Iran.
Meisam
M
Hasheminejad
Meisam
M
Tabatabaei
Yaghoub
Y
Mansourpanah
Mahdi
M
Khatami far
Azita
A
Javani
D000818:Animals; D056804:Biofuels / Q000032:analysis* / Q000191:economics* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D002384:Catalysis; D014866:Waste Products / Q000032:analysis
D056804:Biofuels; D014866:Waste Products