A Review on Biodiesel Production from Various Feedstocks by Transesterification

Abstract

Since fossil fuel emissions will continue indefinitely, we must find a suitable and long-term alternative, owing to the fact that it is biodegradable, non-toxic, and eco-friendly, biodiesel an excellent substitute for diesel engines. EASAC classifies the evolution of biodiesel into four generations. Biodiesel feedstocks and their advantages and disadvantages for different generations of the fuel are thoroughly analysed in this article. An in-depth investigation is provided in this article, of the benefits and drawbacks of various feedstocks used in the manufacturing process of different generations of biodiesel. In terms of the production of biodiesel, transesterification is the best method because it produces high-yield biodiesel with comparable properties to diesel, making it an ideal choice. As far as economics are concerned, this process is also viable. It is possible to meet the energy requirements of the future by blending different oil feedstocks. The system used and the cost of feedstock have the most significant impact on the cost of biodiesel production. Characteristics of biodiesel such as the oxidation stability, cold flow and cetane number, viscosity, and density, are some of the most important characteristics of biodiesel. Biodiesel’s performance in diesel engines was also discussed in this paper, and it was suggested that biodiesel is safer for the environment than Petro-diesel. Unlike Petro-diesel, it degrades four times faster and has with a higher flash point, making storage and handling easier. It’s also nontoxic and causes less irritation to the skin than soap and water. The paper also looked at the production of biodiesel using feedstocks from the first through the fourth generation.