Biodiesel production in a small community: Case study in Thailand

A community-scale process of biodiesel production from animal fats was reported together with an economic analysis and wastewater treatment process. The biodiesel product whose qualification met Thai biodiesel standards for agricultural engines could be used directly in agricultural engines, such as water pumps, cultivator engines, trailer-mounted engines, dump trucks and farm vehicles with single-cylinder, 4-stroke diesel engines without operational problems. This study was an illustration for producing inexpensive and renewable energy from domestic sources to reduce dependence on foreign sources of petroleum. The treatment of wastewater from the biodiesel production process was necessary because the water contained high levels of COD (approximately 138,000 mg L−1) and oils/fats, which may hinder the biological mechanism. By adding aluminum sulfate of an appropriate amount followed by an adjustment of pH, alkalinity and nitrogen levels, the water could be further treated by an anaerobic process.