Large scale model of Biodiesel factory is coming online.

Today we found that Dr. Olsen is just as excited as we are to get the model working. Yesterday we left the PVC to cure and we found that Dr. Olsen couldn't wait for us, he started the pump to be the first to see it work, NO FAIR!!! He also found the leaks in the fittings that we had to patch before we ran flow tests of the pump. We found that the PSI rate dropped 10 psi after the pump starts, probably the pressure it takes to create cavitation in the pump diaphragm. We started our flow rate at 20 psi and ran 3 time trials to fill a 4000 mL flask. Then we raised the psi 10 and ran 3 tests until we reached 50 psi. At 50 we found that the pump began to flow at 50 psi and dropped to nearly 40 by the time that 4000 mL was reached. Our group figured that this was the psi limit to this pump. We also found that the pump would not function below 20 psi. We also ran some FT IR spectrogram's to test sample purity and prepared samples for the Gas Chromatography machine. Finally we worked out the schematics on our plumbing diagram to divert our flow back to the original container in order to facilitate mixing of Veg oil and the Methanol/KOH solution to create Biodiesel.

Day 3 of Biodiesel reaction, "Test purity"

Today our group had several tasks to achieve. First we had to filter our KOH alcoholic solution for pH testing standards later, perform an "acid titration" reaction (seen as the flask with "pink" fluid in it, oops too much base, that is OK, first try), Separate the glycerin and methanol byproduct from our Biodiesel reaction through distillation for later purity testing, Test our biodiesel with FTIR spectrometer for purity, and test the "flash point" of our first biodiesel attempt for purity, and finally we started the "plumbing" for our larger scale model of the Biodiesel reactor from the partnering factory. We achieved all tasks and will be ready to test our Bioreactor tomorrow!

Day 2 of Biodiesel reaction, "Wash day"

Today we opened the valve on the sep funnel and drained the water that we washed our experimental biodiesel with. We then tested it and found, as expected, that it was highly alkaline with a pH (+-11). This was expected as the catalyst we used was a base. We washed the Biodiesel 3 more times for a total of 4 washings. The final was came out at a pH of 7 or neutral. Then we took 4 samples to the FTIR spectrometer for some purity tests and baseline tests. The samples we tested were Petroleum diesel, methanol+glycerin mix from the biodiesel reaction, pure H2O, and our Biodiesel product after washing. Finally, we funneled the rest of our biodiesel into a sample container and added Na2SO4, a compound that absorbs water to "dry" it out.

First attempt at Biodiesel reaction.

Today we first worked out the approximate molecular weight of the Soybean oil molecule as well as the other molecules involved in the reactions. Then we worked out the recipe for making biodiesel.

The first image is our biodiesel in a separation pipette after it reacted with an excess amount of methanol as well as dissolved Potassium hydroxide as a catalyst. At this point the biodiesel is separating from the methanol and glycerin due to the differing densities. The second image is after we syphoned off the methanol and glycerin, we added 100 mL of H2O to "wash" the biodiesel, that is removing any compounds that are dissolved in water. Since Biodiesel is an oil, it separates from the water.

Lab work continued...

Today we defined some physical property terms as far as organic liquid compounds are concerned. One of which was "Flash Point". The flash point is defined as when the minimum concentration at which a liquid vapor (liquid + atmosphere), will burn. This value is determinant on the vapor pressure and the temperature. The flash point can be used to determine the purity of the sample that you place into the flash point tester apparatus because many compounds have a certain flash point based on temperature. In the lab we were instructed on the proper use of the flash tester. After practicing on methanol, (low flash point), and methanol + water= higher flash point, we used the refined biodiesel from our partnering company. The flash point was supposed to be at between 130-141 degrees C. When we tested the biodiesel in the tester we did not obtain a positive flash until 210 degrees C!! This could be due to an impurity in the biodiesel such as H2O, which is formed during the refining process, and could be present to raise the flashpoint.

Infrared Spectroscopy

Here are some Infrared spectragraphs (ABOVE), that were of the most importance that we will be using to identify the compounds that we will be making in the lab during biofuel production.

Today our group was able to sample some organic compounds with the infrared spectroscope. We practiced preparing a sample, procedures to start up the machine and how to read the graph that comes up. Infrared is on the lower energy end of the electromagnetic end of the spectrum, just under visible light. Our group followed the procedures for using the instrument which is:
1. Sign in on logbook
2. Turn on the electronics with the power strip and load the software with the "EZ" and triangle logo.
3. ensuring the liquid tray is in place, wipe the sample window with chemwipes soaked in methanol.
4. RUN background to cancel the "noise" that may contaminate sample, don't save.
5. Place a drop of sample over window and Click the button on comp.
6. Save sample, floppy or on H.D.
7. Label peaks, to identify the composition of sample.
8. CLEAN the sample window with chemwipes soaked in methanol.

After the samples, we were able to observe a potential graduate student orally defend her thesis project. Talk about the "HOT SEAT"!!!!

Initial Ideas for curriculum

I am thinking first how I can adapt the project for my Honors Physical science class. This includes the prospective Arizona Science and Engineering fair for next school year. I want the studens to identify the problems with current conventional fuel and the Biofuel alternatives. Then possibly create a Buisness plan to convert the Florence school district busses to run on biodiesel or possibly run on reclaimed vegetable oil. I have identified the interdisceplinary connection possibilities and have requested a bus from the district to use for this research purpose. We will see if they give me a bus to work with!!! Of course I have also identified many things that I will need to do before this project will materialize, most notably GRANTS and donations in order to aquire the materiels my students will need.

Possibilities for my regular students could take the form of situatinal based problem solving. For example: A story starting with... It is 2060, conventional gas prices have topped $15 dollars per gallon due to depleted nonrenewable sources. Describe the impact this event would have on:
1. the community
2. on the Government
3. Consumer-Retail businesses
etc..

What solutions are present:
Now: Future possibilities:

Pros/Cons of the above solutions: