Biofuels from an esterification of sludge palm oil as an alternative to residual oil

Abstract

Fuel oil No. 4 to No.6 are collectively known as residual oil and widely known to be hazardous and release more emission than conventional diesel fuel. However, more concern has been given to find an alternative fuel for diesel with extensive research in biodiesel from various resources for more than a decade. On the other hand, only small intention had been shown towards residual oil though everyone knows it is more harmful. Current production cost of any biofuels is much superior that made residual oil to be a fuel of choice especially for heavy machineries. This research aims to reduce the production cost of biofuels by utilizing Sludge Palm Oil (SPO) as its feedstock. SPO is a waste of any palm oil mill and has been overlooked by many for a long time. The idea is to convert only the FFA part of SPO and let the triglyceride portion as it is. Though it might be not suitable for conventional diesel engine, it should not create many problems with heavy machineries engine which run on more viscous residual oil.