Glycerol: Difference between revisions

From Open Source Ecology
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m (inserted internal links)
Line 4: Line 4:
[[File: 200px-Glycerin_Skelett.svg.png|right]]
[[File: 200px-Glycerin_Skelett.svg.png|right]]


[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycerin Glycerol] (glycerin, glycerine) is the main byproduct of biodiesel production. It is a colourless, odourless, viscous, nontoxic liquid with a sweet taste. Pure glycerine has thousands of uses. However, the biodiesel byproduct is crude (and it's not colourless, and it's not only glycerine).  
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycerin Glycerol] (glycerin, glycerine) is the main byproduct of [[biodiesel]] production. It is a colourless, odourless, viscous, nontoxic liquid with a sweet taste. Pure glycerine has thousands of uses. However, the biodiesel byproduct is crude (and it's not colourless, and it's not only glycerine).  


==Byproduct in biodiesel production==
==Byproduct in biodiesel production==
Line 13: Line 13:


==Main uses and Product ecology==  
==Main uses and Product ecology==  
*as mentioned, glycerol is the main by-product of '''biodiesel''' production (see our blog post: [http://openfarmtech.org/weblog/2009/07/open-source-biodiesel-tutorial/ Open Source Biodiesel Tutorial]).
*as mentioned, glycerol is the main by-product of [[biodiesel]] production (see our blog post: [http://openfarmtech.org/weblog/2009/07/open-source-biodiesel-tutorial/ Open Source Biodiesel Tutorial]).
* also a byproduct in the soapmaking process  
* also a byproduct in the soapmaking process  
* use in '''biodigestor''': feed slowly, very slowly. The addition of glycerin can dramatically increase [[biogas]] production (more information [http://www.make-biodiesel.org/Dealing-with-Byproducts/anaerobic-digestion.html here]). Special bacterial strains [http://www.biorefiningmagazine.com/articles/5172/gmo-methanogen-for-glycerin-digestion are being developed] that can efficiently utilize glycerin to make methane  
* use in '''biodigestor''': feed slowly, very slowly. The addition of glycerin can dramatically increase [[biogas]] production (more information [http://www.make-biodiesel.org/Dealing-with-Byproducts/anaerobic-digestion.html here]). Special bacterial strains [http://www.biorefiningmagazine.com/articles/5172/gmo-methanogen-for-glycerin-digestion are being developed] that can efficiently utilize glycerin to make methane  

Revision as of 00:32, 9 March 2011

Main > Materials


Main > Energy > Biofuel


200px-Glycerin Skelett.svg.png

Glycerol (glycerin, glycerine) is the main byproduct of biodiesel production. It is a colourless, odourless, viscous, nontoxic liquid with a sweet taste. Pure glycerine has thousands of uses. However, the biodiesel byproduct is crude (and it's not colourless, and it's not only glycerine).

Byproduct in biodiesel production

[insert text here if you can write it !]

Purifying glycerol

[insert text here if you can write it !]

Main uses and Product ecology

  • as mentioned, glycerol is the main by-product of biodiesel production (see our blog post: Open Source Biodiesel Tutorial).
  • also a byproduct in the soapmaking process
  • use in biodigestor: feed slowly, very slowly. The addition of glycerin can dramatically increase biogas production (more information here). Special bacterial strains are being developed that can efficiently utilize glycerin to make methane
  • when of low purity, can be burned along with biomass such as sawdust
  • crude glycerol from homemade biodiesel makes a powerful degreaser.
  • feed additive for cattle [1][2][3] and other ruminants
  • nitration, to make nitroglycerin (probably not a good idea, unless you want to end up like Nobel's brother)
  • other uses: in skin moisturizers, lotions, deodorants, makeup, toothpaste, sweets and cakes, pharmaceuticals and patent medicines, in paper manufacturing, printing ink, in textiles, plastics, electronic components…

External Links