Biofuel production methods

Abstract

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods for producing biofuel from a biological material that includes protein and a biofuel feedstock, such as triglycerides. In a specific example, the biological material is hydrolyzed to obtain the biofuel feedstock, such as by treatment with a base. Free fatty acids or triglycerides are then extracted using an organic solvent. The free fatty acids or triglycerides are converted to fatty acid esters, useable as biofuel, by esterification or transesterification, respectively. In a more specific example, the biological material is converted to a biofuel in a one step process by treating the biological material with base and an appropriate alcohol. In some implementations, a disclosed method uses chicken feathers obtained from a chicken processing operation as the biological material.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of, and incorporates by reference, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 884,173, filed Jan. 9, 2007, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 970,790 filed Sep. 7, 2007.FIELD[0002]The present disclosure describes methods of producing fuels from biological materials. In specific examples, the present disclosure provides methods for producing biodiesel from biological sources which include protein and triglycerides, such as chicken feathers.TECHNICAL BACKGROUND[0003]The United States produces 2-4 billion pounds of chicken feathers from poultry industries. Science News, “Materials Take Wing”, Feb. 23, 2002, Vol. 161. In recent years it has been shown that chicken feathers can be used for many applications, including environmental application and filtration of heavy metals. P. Kar & M. Misra, “Use of keratin Fiber for Separation of Heavy metals from Water”, Journal of Chemical Technology & Biote...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The methods of the present disclosure can provide a number of advantages. For example, the present disclosure can convert chicken feathers, often treated as a waste product, into a high value biofuel product. Accordingly, the supply of biofuel can be increased without the expenditure of energy and other resources in developing a feedstock specifically for use as a biofuel.

Problems solved by technology

However, much of this material is unused, and can present disposal problems.

The availability and cost of petroleum based fuels continues to be of concern.

However, the energy and resources needed to produce biofuel can make it uneconomical to produce crops specifically for biodiesel production.

While waste oil and fats can be used, their supply may be insufficient for mass production of biofuel.

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