http://www.cput.ac.za/newsroom/news/article/2630/biodiesel-project-yields-success
[images in on-line article]
Wednesday, 18 June 2014
Biodiesel project yields success
Turning raw materials into something of value is top on the agenda of a
group of Chemical Engineering Researchers, known as the Green Technology
Research Unit (GTRU).
The group has spent the past few months working on an innovative project
which saw them producing biodiesel from simple products such as palm oil
and alcohol, which has no harmful impact on the environment.
Lead researcher, Dr Arthur Mpela, says such projects have already been
undertaken across the globe, however, it has been limited to the use of
edible vegetable oil (with an end-product more expensive than existing
fossil diesel) or waste vegetable oil that has to be pre-treated, a
process that spikes production costs.
“We opted for palm oil, which is the cheapest oil available in Africa,”
says Mpela.
To produce the green-friendly biodiesel, the researchers mixed the palm
oil, alcohol and a secret catalyst in a reactor for up to three-hours.
The by-product is glycerin, which is used to make soap.
The group’s first batch was recently put to the test in a lawnmower, an
engine at the Mechanical Engineering labs and a 4x4 vehicle, and Mpela
says it was a huge success with their biofuel keeping the engines running.
Emmanuel Kongolo, a student working on the project says their end result
is proof that innovative techniques can turn a raw product into
something as important as fuel.
“This entire project gave me a broad understanding of the processes
involved in producing fuel,” he says.
Emmanuel says the team of researchers are proud of the results so far.
“We are contributing to the well-being of the environment and this is
exciting,” he says.
Written by Candes Keating
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