ASA Southern Branch 2008 Annual Meeting
February 3-5, 2008
Dallas, TX

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Mobile Biodiesel Processing Unit Launched in Alabama: A Biodiesel Classroom on Wheels.

Ernst Cebert, Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Alabama A&M University, 4900 Meridian Street, PO Box 1208, Normal, AL 35762

As the interest in biofuels increase, it is essential that state policy makers ensure that producers are well educated in the process of producing these fuels. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation have specific quality standards for all biofuels produced in the United States. Alabama A&M University, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries have created a ‘Biodiesel Classroom on Wheels’, which provides a mobile educational tool to citizens of Alabama who are interested in the production of biodiesel. The popularity of small scale biodiesel production is due to the simplicity of the process, which requires few inputs and minimum capital investment. The unit can be taken to different locations around the state to provide hands-on demonstration and training using locally available feedstock (used cooking oil) and equipment from BiodieselLogicTM of Albertville, Alabama. The fully operational biodiesel production system consists of: (1) BDL-55-SS, 84-gallon Biodiesel Reactor with an internal 2250 watt heater; (2) Transfer/mixing pump; (3) 200 micron pre-filter; (4) A 15-gallon meth-oxide mixer & methoxide injection system; (5) Control panel with temp control & high temp limit; (6) Relief valve; (7) Methanol recovery condenser; (8) Heavy duty stands with adjustable locking caster; (9) One combo 110 gallon CS dry wash Amberlite tank w/installed amberlite dry wash cell system; (10) One biodiesel transfer pump w/installed 1-micron final filter station; and (11) Storage tanks. The complete system is assembled on a 6’x16’ modified flatbed trailer for ease of transport to any location around the state of Alabama and surrounding states. The system will also be used as a tool to educate 4-H, FFA groups and high school science around the state of Alabama.

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