Development, optimization and scale-up of biodiesel production from crude palm oil and effective use in developing countries

An industrial project was developed to optimize the biodiesel production from crude palm oil. This process was developed for a one ton scale application on the palm oil production facility in equatorial Africa, to be used on the plantation to provide fuel for the fleet of the company. Because of the specific conditions (crude palm oil as starting material, application in technologically difficult conditions), it was essential for the developed procedure to be robust and simple, and to use minimum amounts of chemicals. The process was optimised on lab-scale in 2005 and 2006, scaled up in the following year, and is since then successfully applied as intended on the palm oil plantation. The produced biodiesel is used pure, without mixing with diesel fuel and without additives. After several years of continuous use, no negative effects were noticed on the engines. The process efficiency and durability are therefore confirmed.