Biodiesel: Review on Production Techniques & Raw Material Process Economic Aspects

Biodiesel is found to be one of the promising alternatives for conventional fuels since lot of researches and steps for practical implementation has been started by numerous countries to meet out the futuristic demands of switching towards new energy sources due to less toxicity and eco-friendly aspects. Diverse feedstock’s are being used to produce by means of blending/direct use, micro-emulsion, thermal cracking/pyrolysis and transesterification. Parameters like type of alcohol, type of catalyst & its quantity, alcohol to oil ratio, stirring speed, temperature, pressure, time of reaction and type of source oil plays a major role in the contribution of yield, efficiency and cost. It is really important to study the process economics to understand the aspects in practical implementation. This study entirely deals with biodiesel production methods, parameters associated and process economics behind selection of raw materials.