Biodiesel Cost Optimizer

Biodiesel Cost Optimizer Least-Cost Raw Material Blending for Standardized Biodiesel Quality... 

The more pragmatic approach used in the Biodiesel Cost Optimizer (see below) is based on the work of Dr. Lee and colleagues (1996). Soy methyl esters were winterized on lab scale at -21.5°C, -25.0 °C and -28.4 °C. This yielded FAME olein with 11.2%, 7.4% respectively 6.0% saturated FAME (palmitic acid and stearic acid methyl esters), and FAME stearin with 46.6%, 42.2% respectively 33.1% saturated FAME. This simple lab test con-... 

The Biodiesel Cost Optimizer (Fig. 3.2), built as a mathematical tool, has been developed to help the biodiesel industry find a least cost formula for making FAME compositions that perform within the specifications of the applicable Biodiesel Standard. The Excel Workbook Biodiesel Cost Optimizer contains three separate sheets ... 

Figure 3.2. The Biodiesel cost optimizer blend calculation screenshot.

In practice a lower number of raw materials will be used for calculations with the Biodiesel Cost Optimizer model. The columns to be used can be selected by putting a 1 (i.e., this column must be used) or a 0 (which means don t use this column) in the cells [E39 N39], The model assumes that the raw material in Column D is to be maximized. Any raw material of choice can be copied in this column from the Raw Material Input Data sheet. Normally, the lowest cost component should be placed here. 

Calculations in the Biodiesel Cost Optimizer are done with the built-in Solver function of Excel. The model has been fully set up to deal with all measurements in above list. The results of the calculation will be found in the BLEND line above the selected columns. The final composition is given in the BLEND column at the right end of the table. More results describing the BLEND are given in the cells below the composition ... 

With an easy click the Biodiesel Cost Optimizer can select for European Biodiesel Standard EN 14214, or U. S. Biodiesel Standard ASTM D 6751. If needed other target values can be input manually. 

Operation of the Biodiesel Cost Optimizer is fast and easy, making it possible to make large sets of simulations in a short time. This helps better understanding the different value of the different fatty acid methyl esters. It will quickly become clear, when using the Biodiesel Cost Optimizer, that oleic acid methyl esters are the preferential FAME in every biodiesel formula. Oleic acid methyl esters bring a relatively high oxidation stability (50h or more), combined with a more than acceptable CN of around 56, and excellent melting point at -19 °C. Unfortunately, pure oleic acid methyl esters are not available in the market. 

The Biodiesel Cost Optimizer can easily be used for evaluating the value of more exotic components such as lauric fats, or recycled oils and fats. Recycled oils are interesting for price reasons, although availability of a solid supply and... 

This book is composed of 32 chapters divided into three sections. The first 10 chapters describe the world s newest biodiesel research. Included is biodiesel research at NCAUR, USDA, production of biodiesel fuel through bioprocesses, a biodiesel cost optimizer-least cost raw material blending for standard quality biodiesel, new catalytic systems for vegetable oil transesterification... 

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