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Sergio Nogales Delgado, Speaker at Catalysis Conferences
University of Extremadura, Spain
Title : Monitoring of biolubricant production by different methods

Abstract:

The implementation of biorefineries is becoming a reality nowadays, due to the increasing environmental concern of society and institutions. Thus, there are countless ways to produce energy, biofuels or bioproducts from natural feedstocks, which could be integrated in a biorefinery process. The case of biodiesel or biolubricant production through transesterification from vegetable oils is a prime example of a starting point for the implementation of this kind of facilities. Thus, the optimization and the correct monitoring of the process are vital to contribute to the improvement of environmentally friendly industries. The aim of this research work was the assessment of different kinds of monitoring techniques (methanol collection, viscosity determination of the final mixture and methyl oleate or FAME content through gas chromatography) applied to the production of biolubricants from cardoon and safflower oil with two different superior alcohols. As a result, different advantages and disadvantages were found concerning each monitoring technique. Thus, viscosity and methyl oleate determination offered more advantages compared to the rest of techniques, especially concerning to their possible implementation in a large-scale facility and their immediacy of results. Also, the nature of the superior alcohol played an important role in the production of biolubricant, which should be taken into account in the implementation of biorefineries.

Audience take-away:

  • Different monitoring methods are proposed for a specific case, like the biolubricant production from vegetable oils through transesterification.
  • Main pros and cons are assessed for each method, according to our laboratory experience.
  • The audience will learn about the need of using easy and sustainable methods to monitor complex processes.

Biography:

Dr. Sergio Nogales studied Chemistry at the University of Extremadura and graduated as MS in 2007. He received his PhD degree in 2016 at the same institution. He has been working as a technologist at the Agricultural Technological Institute of Extremadura, studying minimally processed fruits and vegetables. Also, he joined the Department of Power Engines and Machines at University of Extremadura, researching about biomass. Finally, he currently belongs to the Department of Chemical Engineering and Physical-Chemistry, where he is currently working with biodiesel and biolubricants, studying its production and main properties, especially during oxidation/storage. He has published more than 30 research articles in international journals and 50 communications in international conferences.

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