Biosecurity - Processing Plant

Establishment of Biodiesel Processing Capacity at Marine Institute

Project Summary 0316-07-142/180

Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program

Introduction
The Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program provided assistance in 2009-10 to the Center for Aquaculture and Seafood Development (CASD) of the Fisheries and Marine Institute to investigate the technical aspects of biofuel production from fish oils.

Background
CASD in collaboration with Memorial University is proposing to develop a fish-oil derived biodiesel production system suitable for this provinces unique situation. Currently, biodiesel is not available in NL, and the largest potential source of biodiesel feedstock is marine oils extracted from fish-processing waste. The estimated amount of marine oil from NL fish processing operations is about 2.9 million litres, and with the expansion in aquaculture production, the contributions will be greater.
Biodiesel Logic Processor.

Biofuel is equivalent in price if not higher than diesel fuel and has the potential to generate considerable revenue by converting waste products into a marketable by-product while promoting a more environmentally-friendly industry.

Methodology Phase I - Biodiesel Processing Capacity

The focus of this multi-phase project was to advance current biodiesel conversion technologies for specific application to marine waste, oil feedstock in rural communities. Mitigating the technical challenges associated with utilizing marine waste oils as biodiesel feedstock was a major focus. To develop a fish-oil-derived biofuel production demonstration system for rural NL, the following research activities were undertaken: Development of effective methods to produce biodiesel from waste fish oils. Establishment of a pilot-scale, fish-oil biodiesel demonstration system at the Marine Institute. Design of a process to optimize biodiesel yields from waste fish oils. Evaluation of the performance of fish-oil biodiesel for use in diesel engines/ boilers/ generators, etc.

Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture

P.O. Box 8700

St. Johns, NL

A1B 4J6

Establishment of Biodiesel Processing Capacity at Marine Institute

To complete these research activities, it was necessary in Phase I to: Identify and purchase a small-scale biodiesel production system. Set up and test the biodiesel production system. Purchase a diesel generator and install it at the same facility to evaluate the performance of oil-derived biodiesel fuels.

Results Phase I Biodiesel Processing Capacity

With the successful purchase and installation of the necessary equipment, the project team was ready to move forward with experimental production of biodiesel from marine wastes.

Methodology Phase II - Biodiesel Training, Demonstration and Analysis

A two-day, biodiesel training session was delivered to industry and academic representatives to provide an overview and demonstration of production and applications of biodiesel fuel. Feedstock oils were procured to calibrate the biodiesel processor and to conduct a benchmark study. Biodiesel fuel was produced from three oil feedstocks (vegetable oil, cod liver oil and salmon oil) using the Biodiesel Logic processor. It was determined that waste fish oil from rendered cod livers and processing discards from salmonid operations required pre-processing. The cod liver oil and salmon oil biodiesels from the benchmarking study were evaluated for quality against the ASTM standard for B100, and engine performance was studied using a Land & Sea Dynamometer testing system.

Results Phase II Biodiesel Training, Demonstration and Analysis

High quality, food-grade marine oil feedstock can provide biodiesel yields in excess of 90 per cent. However, waste fish oil, such as that rendered from cod livers or salmonid processing discards, must be minimally processed prior to conversion into biodiesel fuel. During the study, rendered cod liver oil was pre-processed by heating and separating the solids. The degree of pre-processing varied, depending on the source and quality of the oil feedstock. Samples of biodiesel produced from commercial fish oils were tested against ASTM standards and evaluated using a 6.5 hp diesel engine.

Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture

P.O. Box

8700 St. John's, NL

A1B 4J6

Establishment of Biodiesel Processing Capacity at Marine Institute

Conclusion
It was determined biodiesel can be produced from marine oils; although, these feedstocks require preprocessing treatments prior to conversion. The degree of pre-processing must be customized for each feedstock. Using marine biodiesels as an alternate fuel for operating diesel engines is not expected to adversely affect the performance of the engine. The biodiesel fuel produced using the various marine CASD testing. oil feedstocks can potentially provide a cost benefit in offsetting operating overhead through incorporating the biodiesel as part of the in-house fuel supply for seafood processing. Based on CASD results from marine oil processing, the chemical cost for biodiesel production was approximately $0.21/L. However, production costs will vary depending upon the grade and quality of the oil feedstock and the degree of pre-processing required. Recommendations for continued research: Evaluate the potential to produce biodiesel from other marine oil feedstocks, i.e. seal, capelin, mackerel and herring. Identify the minimal processing requirement to produce biodiesel from salmonid discards. Conduct further evaluation on producing biodiesel from cod liver oil.

The Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program (created under the Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy) provides support for innovative and competitive harvesting, processing, and marketing initiatives to increase the overall viability of the Newfoundland and Labrador seafood industry to be a major economic contributor to the provincial economy. For more information please contact us.

Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador P.O. Box 8700, St. Johns, NL A1B 4J6 Call: 709 729-0118 / Fax: 709 729-1884 Web: http://www.gov.nl.ca (Or a DFA Regional Office near you) Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture P.O. Box 8700 St. John's, NL A1B 4J6