Course: BFM 202 Biodiesel Production

Unit 3 Lab

Lab

Titration Test

If the oil or fat being used as the feedstock for biodiesel production has less than 5% Free Fatty Acid (FFA) the reaction can be catalyzed with an alkali catalyst. When the FFA level is greater than 5%, the soap created will inhibits separation of the glycerol from the biodiesel (methyl esters).

To determine the levels of Free Fatty Acids in fats and oils, you use a Titration Test. By using titration you will be able to calculate the amount of catalyst needed for a complete base reaction between methanol and vegetable oil to produce biodiesel. For virgin oil the initial amount of catalyst necessary is 5 g of NaOH or 7 g of KOH per liter of oil used.
View the presentation prior to coming to the lab.

"Titrating Waste Vegetable Oil (WVO) For Biodiesel," by Utah Biodiesel Supply, Standard YouTube License

If you cannot see the video above, click here to open it in a new window.