Reactive Conversion of Oils Extracted from DAF Sludge with Supercritical Methanol

Date: February 26, 2020

Principal Investigators: Christopher Kitchens, Clemson University 

Keywords: Extracted Oils, DAF, Supercritical Methanol

Summary:

The goal of this research is to investigate the conversion of lipids present in animal waste streams into fatty-acid methyl esters using supercritical methanol. If successful, this research could redirect waste streams into valuable products that include bio-based fuels, lubricants, release agents, and other nonrenewable petroleum products.

 

In this project, we have used hexane extraction to recover lipid fractions from waste DAF solids and meat and bone meal. The extracted lipids were then subjected to near-critical and supercritical methanol reactions at methanol to oil ratios of 39:1, 30:1, 20:1, and 10:1 and temperatures of 250°C, 275°C, and 300°C. These reactions were completed up to a 60 minute time period with multiple time points to obtain reaction kinetics. In order to evaluate the efficiency of these reactions, conventional acid, and base-catalyzed transesterification reactions.

In conclusion, this research demonstrates that supercritical methanol reactions can convert low-grade lipids into fatty acid methyl esters.

 

Objectives:

• Perform lab-scale methanol extractions of DAF solids obtained from rendering facilities.
• Characterize the oil extracted from DAF solids to determine composition and quality.
• Perform a parametric study of the supercritical methanol conversion of lipid extracts into FAMEs.