Used chippy oil becomes biofuel
05 June 2009
Innovative new project from GERI turns used oil from chip shops into biofuel.
A consortium led by the RF and Microwave Group- GERI- Faculty of Technology and Environment, has been awarded a grant of £670,540 from the Technology Strategy 
Board (previously the Department of Trade and Industry DTI).
The funding is for a project which aims to establish an on-site pilot processing plant that transforms harmful free fatty acids present in raw bio-oils (such as used chip shop oil) into fuel using a novel catalyst free technique. The technology could have wide application both with directly related bio-refining reactions, and within the wider chemical processing market.
Lead researcher, Professor Ahmed Al-Shamma’a said: “We are particularly excited about this project because the process will have an immediate market within the existing biofuels arena but more significantly is a key enabling technology for the next generation of biofuels. This is an excellent opportunity for the academic community to apply for the first time a highly innovative microwave plasma system in bio refining reactions. The success of such technology will make the UK SMEs competitive worldwide.”
Biofuels for road transport and combined heat and power applications are an important component in the mitigation of climate change. Because the available feedstock is limited, it is crucial to optimise its use as well as protect against unsustainable practices. To achieve these goals the processing of feedstock should be energy and materials efficient, and waste materials should be used wherever possible.
The research program will address these concerns by developing a targeted and highly cost effective process that turns harmful components in feedstocks into fuel, while avoiding unnecessary processing. Energy and chemical inputs are minimised. Even highly degraded, previously unusable, waste feedstocks will be capable of treatment.
Picture: Professor Ahmed Al-Shamma’a and his team are developing a processing plant which transforms used chip shop oil into biofuel.
