Articles tagged with Biodiesels
NextCAT Inc., a Detroit-based company, has received $250,000 in seed funding from Automation Alley to commercialize biodiesel catalyst technology developed at Wayne State University. This technology enables the use of cost-effective raw materials, such as waste vegetable oil and animal fats, to produce biodiesel.
Field pennycress, a common roadside plant, has shown promising results as a potential source of biofuel due to its high seed yields and ability to thrive in cold weather. The USDA study found that the oil from field pennycress seeds can be converted into biodiesel with cloud and pour points suitable for use in cold climates.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new method for converting waste vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel, using a single reaction vessel and environmentally friendly catalysts. The process is six times faster than current methods, consuming less energy and reducing the use of toxic chemicals.
Scientists converted surplus butter into biodiesel, meeting most test standards for a biobased fuel source. Butter's fatty acid esters can be blended with existing biodiesel to increase supply.
Scientists discovered a fungus that produces oils suitable for biodiesel production, providing an alternative to edible oilseed plants. The fungus-based biodiesel meets commercial specifications and can be scaled for commercial production.
Researchers found that sewage sludge can be used to produce biodiesel fuel within a few cents of being competitive with petroleum-based diesel. The study suggests that microorganisms could be used to boost oil production in sludge, increasing biodiesel production capacity to over 10 billion gallons per year.
Researchers have found that biofuel combustion is more complex than previously thought, with diverse chemical reaction networks and the formation of toxic emissions. The study used a combination of laser spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and flame chemistry modeling to explore decomposition and oxidation mechanisms.
A new process developed by UC Davis chemists increases biodiesel yields from oilseed crops like safflower by up to 24%. The method converts both plant oils and carbohydrates into a fuel cocktail that performs better at low temperatures.
Researchers at JBEI developed an Escherichia coli bacteria strain to produce biodiesel fuel and other chemicals directly from plant biomass, overcoming the limitations of traditional biofuel production. The microbes can efficiently convert biomass into fuels with minimal chemical modifications.
Researchers from Purdue University and Cummins Inc. developed an advanced engine-control system to reduce biodiesel fuel consumption and emissions. The system uses closed-loop control techniques to self-adjust engine settings based on feedback from sensors, improving fuel economy while minimizing nitrogen oxide emissions.
Scientists have developed a new catalyst made from shrimp shells that can convert canola oil to biodiesel more efficiently and with less waste. The new catalyst enables faster and more environmentally friendly production of biodiesel, reducing pollution and minimizing wastewater.
Scientists develop environmentally friendly process for producing biodiesel from chicken feather meal, generating up to 593 million gallons annually. The process also produces high-grade animal feed and nitrogen-rich fertilizer, reducing waste and increasing renewable energy production.
Researchers have developed new processes using microorganisms to convert organic waste into biodegradable plastics. These bioplastics can be produced at rates up to three times faster than existing processes and have potential applications in various industries.
Researchers have developed a novel, eco-friendly process to convert algae oil into biodiesel fuel, promising a cheaper alternative to traditional methods. The 'continuously flowing fixed-bed' method produces no wastewater and uses a proprietary solid catalyst, reducing processing costs and increasing efficiency.
The production of algae-based biodiesel has been shown to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by avoiding the use of fossil resources. Additionally, establishing an algal biodiesel plant could create up to 45 jobs in rural areas and provide opportunities for diversifying agricultural sectors.
A study led by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found global yields of biofuels crops to be overestimated by 100-150%, highlighting the need for more realistic expectations. This information can empower countries to make informed decisions about agricultural biofuels.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a new method to accelerate stability testing of biodiesel fuel made from soybeans. The 'advanced distillation curve' method identifies additives that enhance stability at high temperatures, which can cause biodiesel to break down.
The US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute has released a complete draft assembly of the soybean genetic code, making it available to researchers. Preliminary studies suggest that the soybean genome contains as many as 66,000 genes, more than twice the number identified in the human genome.
Researchers will screen different types of algae to learn which species produce the most oil and grow them in large numbers to produce biodiesel. Algae have benefits that make farming them easier on growers, such as being able to use non-prime agricultural land and water not suitable for food crops.
A Virginia Tech researcher has developed a novel fermentation process using microalgae to produce omega-3 fatty acids from crude glycerol, a byproduct of the emerging biodiesel industry. The resulting algae biomass can be used as animal feed, mimicking a natural process where fish retain healthful compounds.
Chemical engineers at Rice University have unveiled a set of techniques for cleanly converting glycerin, a major biofuels waste byproduct, into high-value organic acids such as succinate and formate. The new fermentation process uses E. coli bacteria to convert glycerin into these valuable chemicals.
A study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers found that retail biofuel samples often do not contain the advertised amount of biofuel. The actual percentage of biofuel in blends like B20 ranged from 10 to 74 percent, while only 10% met US Department of Defense standards.
A new method to convert low-value glycerol from biodiesel production into a hydrogen-rich gas offers a promising solution for the transportation sector. The process, developed by Dr. Valerie Dupont and her team at the University of Leeds, produces a high-value product in demand for fertilisers, food production, and chemical plants.
The CSIRO report found that biodiesel produced from used cooking oil can reduce emissions by up to 87%, while palm oil sourced from pre-1990 plantations can achieve an 80% emission reduction. This could lead to improved air quality and reduced health risks.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison study examines the global potential for biodiesel production from vegetable oils and animal fats, ranking countries by their ability to manufacture biodiesel at low cost. The top-ranked developing nations include Malaysia, Thailand, Uruguay, Colombia, and Ghana, which are well-positioned due to stron...
A new startup company, Catilin Inc., is working to revolutionize biodiesel production using Victor Lin's nanosphere-based catalyst. The technology has the potential to make production cheaper, faster, and less toxic, while producing a cleaner fuel and glycerol co-product.
Rice University researchers discovered a bacterium that ferments glycerin and produces ethanol, reducing operational costs by 40 percent. This biotech breakthrough could alleviate the industry's glycerin glut, forcing producers to shutter plants.
A new study found that biodiesel from rapeseed could emit nearly the same amount of CO2 equivalents as conventional diesel. However, switching to tree farming for rapeseed production could significantly reduce emissions compared to petroleum diesel.
A Michigan State University partnership is examining the possibility of growing oilseed crops and other crops on abandoned industrial sites for use in ethanol or biodiesel fuel production. The study aims to determine if crops grown on brownfield sites can produce adequate yields and contribute to bioremediation, making them viable alte...
A comprehensive study reveals that soybean biodiesel produces more energy than is needed to produce it, while corn grain ethanol requires less but still has significant environmental drawbacks
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a new biodiesel technology that uses nanotechnology to create a more efficient and economical process. The technology, led by Victor Lin, accurately controls the production of tiny silica particles to convert raw materials into biodiesel.
Researchers explored novel oil traits through genetic engineering to enhance biofuel performance. They identified a 'soybean event' with high oleic acid levels, which reduced saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Meanwhile, hydrogenated biodiesel fuels showed promise in reducing NOx emissions in light-duty diesel engines
Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory have developed a new method to convert used french fry oil into biodiesel, producing a higher grade fuel with less waste and at a lower cost. The process eliminates the need for acid neutralization and wastewater, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly.