Abstract– In addition to reducing the environmental problem of food service companies uncheckedly disposing of used oil, biodiesel based on used frying oils (WFO) also reduces the economy’s reliance on limited resources and imports of petroleum-based diesel. In this study, a method was proposed to evaluate the costs of biodiesel production from WFOs with the objective of developing an economic evaluation of this alternative. A logistical aspect in calculating such feasibilities is rarely explored. This study addresses this cost by determining optimal vehicle routing systems to incorporate into the total cost of biodiesel. The Lebanese capital, Beirut, was selected as the survey area as it is home to a large number of restaurants and hotels. The only biodiesel production plant in Lebanon was inspected for production costs, chemicals, labor and taxes, in addition to glycerin and fatty acid esters (FAE) credits. Finally, a comparison was made between eighty-one biodiesel cost scenarios and information on the commercialization of diesel in Lebanon. The results confirm the economic viability of WFO biodiesel production in the studied area and may help maintain a healthy development of the biodiesel industry in Lebanon.
INTRODUCTION
Renewable energies are considered important resources in many countries around the world. Multiple studies have shown that reducing carbon emissions could be achieved through increased use of intermittent renewable energy sources. [1-2]. Biomass is the most prevalent form of renewable energy [3-4] and it can be converted into other usable forms of energy such as biofuels. Among biofuels, biodiesel is one of the possible alternatives to oil [5-6]. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) defines biodiesel as monoalkyl esters of long-chain fatty acids derived from a renewable lipid feedstock, such as vegetable oil or animal fat. [7].
Biodiesel has similar characteristics to fossil diesel fuel with the distinct advantages of being non-toxic, readily biodegradable, and cleaner burning than petroleum diesel. [8- 9]. Significantly reduces the emission of harmful air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide. [10]. However, the high cost of biodiesel is the main obstacle to its commercialization. Biodiesel produced from vegetable oil or animal fat is typically 10-50% more expensive than petroleum-based diesel [11]. Compared to crude vegetable oils, used frying oils (WFOs) are considered a cheaper biodiesel feedstock that can efficiently reduce feedstock load. [12]. Although the commercial price of used oils has increased recently in developing countries, WFOs remain lower-cost feedstocks, making biodiesel production more competitive against petroleum-based diesel fuel production. [13]. In addition to its economic appeal for decreasing dependence on petroleum-based diesel imports and limited fuel resources, the use of WFO in biodiesel production also contributes to reducing the amounts of WFO discharged into landfills and sewers. [14].
See the full article here: http://env-energy.org/logistics-costs-consideration-in-the-economic-assessment-of-waste-frying-oil-based-biodiesel/