Missouri Researchers Develop Modular Biodiesel Production Facility

The idea of recycling waste cooking oil into biodiesel fuel is nothing new. Researchers have studied the process and companies have recycled when possible. However, cost is often a determining factor for making the effort to recycle.

Dr. Joseph Smith, a Missouri University of Science and Technology professor believes that we need to make the process on a smaller-scale, for it to be a feasible local project for towns and cities. This prompted Smith and his colleagues to develop a small, modular facility that could start many small plants that would still benefit the entire industry.

However, waste cooking oil recycling projects also produces glycerol which, when mixed with salt and water, is relatively unused. Smith explains that their developed process eliminates salt production. The excess glycerol and water mixture can now be fermented to methanol to make more biodiesel.

Their research could lead to biodiesel-propelled vehicles and could boost several green technologies.