Biodiesel Production

Biodiesel is predominantly produced from vegetable oils were insufficient quantities are available. Therefore the issue of finding alternative feedstock, such as animal fats, is essential for proving the ability of biodiesel to meet the energy needs of the future. The aim of this thesis is to evaluate the potential of animal fats like tallow and lard as feedstock for biodiesel production. Contemporary biodiesel situation in the European Union and Austria is the base for future development. Potential raw material quantities including their relevant properties are stated. Beginning with the chemical process of transesterification biodiesel production technology tasks were investigated from the raw material to the standardized biofuel with focus on animal fat as feedstock. Solutions for key technological tasks as the production out of high free fatty acid containing feedstock or the improvement of cold flow properties are presented. The state of the art in production and technology providers are described on the base of a detailed patent investigation.