Use of sugarcane bagasse ashes from the sugar and alcohol industry in the biodiesel production process from waste oil

Abstract

The ashes of sugarcane bagasse from the sugar and alcohol industry are considered an abundant and underutilized by-product. Its use to reduce acidity levels of residual oils in the biodiesel production chain can be a viable alternative. The ashes used in this work were donated by an industry in the region of Uberaba (MG). The material obtained, after being submitted to pre-treatment, was added to the residual oil in different amounts and different temperature and agitation conditions. The results were analyzed using an experimental design, with the aim of determining the best reaction parameters for biodiesel production, taking into account the specification of significant variables and their interactions. The homogeneous production of biodiesel occurred from the use of potassium hydroxide (KOH). For the characterization of the fuel, the reaction parameters were evaluated: acidity (AI) and iodine index, density and relative viscosity. The best ash pre-treatment conditions were the use of 3.6% of adsorbent mass in relation to AI, reaction time interval of 1.6 hours and 1 rpm of agitation. The reduction of the AI ​​obtained in the treated residual oil allowed the evaluation of ash as an effective adsorbent. The characteristics of the final product were within the standards for the production of biodiesel.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/Connexpemultidisdevolpfut-066