Paper presented at the 52nd CFCS Annual Meeting, Guadeloupe, July 10-16, 2016
Figure 6 compares viscosity data at two temperatures for pure, crude and RG. Viscosity of RG samples were extremely low compared to that of pure glycerol, alluding to high water content. If so, the yield recovery for RG samples, which was found to be between 20-25% , may even be less. However, values for all three types of sample at both temperatures were comparable to those obtained by Segur and Oberstar (7).
Figure 6. Comparison of crude and refined glycerol solutions to a pure sample. The HPLC analysis produced no tangible results regarding the purity of the RG samples, probably because the sample was unsuitably prepared. However, based on the research conducted by Segur and Oberstar (7) on varying glycerol concentrations and their viscosities at different temperatures, it is speculated that the RG samples contain 60-65% glycerol. Conclusion Crude glycerol produced from coconut oil transesterification was refined using physical and chemical treatments. Yield recovery was 20-25%, although this value may be smaller since the low viscosity of the final product suggests a high water content. UV-Vis spectra for refined glycerol samples were comparable to that of pure glycerol. HPLC analysis failed to quantify percentage purity of the RG samples, however they are speculated to contain 60-65% glycerol based on a study conducted by Segur and Oberstar (7). Sample preparation method for HPLC will have to be revised and performed again. Other purification techniques can also be investi-gated, such as distillation. Bibliografic references 1. Isahak, W.N.R.W., M. Ismail, M.A. Yarmo, J.M. Jahim, and J. Salimon. 2010. “Purification Of Crude Glycerol From Transesterification RBD Palm Oil Over Homogeneous And Heterogeneous Catalysts For The Biolubricant Preparation”. Journal of Applied Sciences 10 (21): 2590-2595. doi:10.3923/jas.2010.2590.2595. 2. Katryniok, B., S. Paul, V. Bellière-Baca, P. Rey and F. Dumeignil. 2010. “Glycerol Dehydration To Acrolein In The Context Of New Uses Of Glycerol”. Green Chemistry 12 (12): 2079. doi:10.1039/c0gc00307g. 3. Hájek, Martin and F. Skopal. 2010. “Treatment Of Glycerol Phase Formed By Biodiesel Production”. Bioresource Technology 101 (9): 3242-3245. doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2009.12.094. 4. Nanda, M.R., Z. Yuan, W. Qin, H.S. Ghaziaskar, M.A Poirier, and C.C Xu. 2014. “Thermodynamic And Kinetic Studies Of A Catalytic Process To Convert Glycerol Into Solketal As An Oxygenated Fuel Additive”. Fuel 117: 470477. doi:10.1016/j.fuel.2013.09.066. 5. Manosak, Rudemas, S. Limpattayanate, and M. Hunsom. 2011. “Sequential-Refining Of Crude Glycerol Derived From Waste Used-Oil Methyl Ester Plant Via A Combined Process Of Chemical And Adsorption”. Fuel Processing Technology 92 (1): 92-99. doi:10.1016/j.fuproc.2010.09.002. 6. Javani, Azita, Meisam Hasheminejad, Kambiz Tahvildari, and Meisam Tabatabaei. 2012. “High Quality Potassium Phosphate Production Through Step-By-Step Glycerol Purification: A Strategy To Economize Biodiesel Production”. Bioresource Technology 104: 788-790. doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2011.09.134. 7. Segur, J.B. and H.E. Oberstar.1951. “Viscosity of Glycerol and Its Aqueous Solutions”. Industrial and Engineering Chemistry 43 (9): 2117-2120. doi:10.1021/ie50501a040.
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