Basic Biodiesel Definitions

Here are some handy definitions related to Biodiesel.

Chemically known as Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME). Refers to any vegetable oil or animal fat that has been altered through a process called transesterification, a process in which oil, (an ester) gets converted to biodiesel, (another ester) and glycerin a byproduct. Biodiesel is a clean burning renewable fuel that mimics the properties of petroleum diesel, but with increased lubricity and lower emissions. Biodiesel can be mixed in any ratio with petroleum diesel to create a blend. Common blends are B2 and B20.

Refers to waste vegetable oil or FEEDSTOCK.

A chemical procedure to determine the amount of catalyst required to neutralize the excess fatty acids in the WVO.

Most commonly used catalysts are sodium hydroxide (NaOH) commonly known as Lye, and Potassium Hydroxide commonly (KOH) known as Potash.

Also called Methyl Alcohol (MeOH or CH₃OH)

A solution of alcohol and catalyst (Sodium Methoxide or Potassium Methoxide). EXCESSIVELY CAUSTIC!

The by product of the transesterification process.

Transesterification is the chemical conversion of vegetable oils or animal fats involving a base catalyzed process.

The tank used to process WVO. This includes preheating oil, transesterification process, washing fuel, and drying.

The tank used to mix alcohol and base to form catalyst commonly known as methoxide.

A process that removes any remaining free glycerin, methanol, catalyst from the fuel.

A waterless method used to remove impurities from biodiesel using Ion-Exchange resin.

A process that removes water from the fuel.

An oil-in-water emulsion consists of small droplets of oil that are surrounded by soap molecules.