Biodiesel FAME Fraction Crystallization Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biodiesel production methods struggle to isolate and refine high-purity FAME fractions efficiently, leading to issues with fuel performance characteristics such as cloud point, viscosity, and oxidative stability, which affect their usability in various climates and applications.
Innovation Solution
A methodology involving crystallization-separation stages to isolate high-purity FAME fractions, followed by further processing such as glycerolysis, hydrogenation, and hydrolysis to create new fuel compositions with improved characteristics for aviation fuel and other uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional biodiesel production methods are used, then biodiesel can be produced from triglyceride feedstock, but the FAME fractions cannot be efficiently isolated and refined to high purity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mixed FAME biodiesel into separate fractions based on their different melting points. Through controlled cooling and crystallization, saturated FAMEs (higher melting point) are separated from unsaturated FAMEs (lower melting point), achieving both high purity isolation and efficient processing of distinct fuel components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling temperature to alter the physical state of different FAME fractions. By cooling the biodiesel to specific temperatures, the saturated FAMEs crystallize while unsaturated FAMEs remain liquid, enabling separation through filtration or decantation while maintaining high purity of each fraction
2Stability of the object's composition
If biodiesel is made from coconut oil feedstock, then high saturated fatty acid content is achieved, but cloud point and gel point become unacceptably high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the saturated FAME fractions (which cause high cloud and gel points) from the unsaturated FAME fractions. This allows the unsaturated fractions to be used as biodiesel with acceptable low-temperature flow properties, while the saturated fractions can be processed separately or blended in controlled amounts to maintain oxidative stability without excessive gel point elevation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different product streams with tailored compositions. The unsaturated FAME fraction provides low-temperature fluidity, while the saturated FAME fraction provides oxidative stability. Each fraction can be used or blended according to specific application requirements, optimizing both temperature performance and compositional stability
3Temperature
If biodiesel is made from flax oil feedstock, then low operating temperature performance is achieved, but oxidative stability becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the highly unsaturated FAMEs (which provide low-temperature performance) from other FAME fractions. The unsaturated fraction can be used when low-temperature operation is required, while the saturated and mono-unsaturated fractions can be blended in to restore oxidative stability without significantly compromising cold-flow properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite fuel compositions by blending different FAME fractions. The highly unsaturated FAMEs from flax oil provide excellent low-temperature performance, while blending with saturated and mono-unsaturated FAMEs restores oxidative stability, creating a composite biodiesel with balanced performance characteristics
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the production of high-purity FAME fractions that can be used to create new fuels with enhanced performance, meeting specific weather conditions and industry standards, while also increasing the value of these fractions for non-fuel markets like cosmetics and nutrition.
Implementation Method 1
cooling the biodiesel to a crystallization temperature of from -10° C. to -20° C., thereby causing a first FAME fraction to crystallize
Implementation Method 2
bringing the biodiesel to a first crystallizing temperature, wherein when the biodiesel reaches the first crystallizing temperature, a first FAME fraction remains in a non-crystallized, liquid phase while the remaining FAME fractions crystallize
Data Source
AI summary
A methodology for separation and subsequent handling of FAME fractions of biodiesel, comprising of the steps, providing a biodiesel containing several different FAME fractions mixed together, the biodiesel being at a first temperature wherein at the first temperature none of the FAME fractions of the biodiesel have crystallized; bringing the biodiesel to a first crystallizing temperature, wherein when the biodiesel reaches the first crystallizing temperature, a first FAME fraction remains in a non-crystallized, liquid phase while the remaining FAME fractions crystallize; and separating the liquid first FAME fraction from the remaining crystallized FAME fractions.