Biodiesel-Petrodiesel Blends Physicochemical Characterization and Economic Assessment of Designing a Plant in Iran

Abstract

Introduction: By substituting conventional fossil fuels, biofuel can emerge as a potential sustainable energy source with favorable environmental outcomes. Biodiesel, in particular, is increasingly attracting attention due to its high potential to increase the consumption of biofuel and contributing to sustainable development. Experimental studies have revealed that biodiesel can play a considerable role of biodiesel in improving petroleum-based characteristics. Materials and Methods: Physicochemical properties of pure biodiesel produced through esterification and transesterification, petroleum diesel, and biodiesel-diesel blends were experimentally measured. Ninety percent of the filtered and dried waste cooking oil (WCO) was converted to biodiesel, and it was shown that cetane index, flash point, and fire point increased by applying B10 (10% biodiesel + 90% petrodiesel) instead of petrodiesel. Results: B10 exhibited an adequate depression in pour point and cloud point by 6°C and 3°C at low temperature, respectively. Also, in this study, an economical study and a sensitivity analysis of a biodiesel production plant from WCO with a capacity of 90 tons per day was carried out, using COMFAR III software. The highest proportion of operating cost belonged to WCO (75%) followed by methanol (10%) and machinery, service, and maintenance expense (5%). Conclusion: Biodiesel showed a positive influence on petrodiesel characteristics, in which the desired green fuel contributed to save the environment. Eventually, economic analysis provides the possibility of running a plant in Iran as a sustainable solution to energy issues.