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Project T.A.B.I. (The Automated Biodiesel Invention): A Study of the Production and Benefits of Biodiesel

CSEF · 2013 Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology Honorable_mention Award

Sean E. Limfat, Alexander Lin, Michael Shi · Arcadia High School, Arcadia, Los Angeles County

Overview

Objectives/Goals Our objective is to research, design, and build a cost efficient biodiesel processor, utilizing safe and proper materials, to not only to make biodiesel more accessible to everyone, but also to research the environmental benefits of biodiesel versus traditional diesel. Methods/Materials Using conventional materials easily obtainable at a local hardware store and electronics easily purchased through various websites, our team has found materials suitable to assemble a semi-automated biodiesel processor. Having researched the steps to create biodiesel from waste vegetable oil, we#ve carefully selected materials such as the correct pump, PVC, static mixer, and solenoids, in order to construct an automated biodiesel processor (T.A.B.I.) that is able to produce biodiesel with a push of the button. Results The completion of our biodiesel processor was, in all, a success. Ultimately, the processor is able to make a max of three gallons of biodiesel in just under an hour. Despite encountering several setbacks, we#ve managed not only to construct a working biodiesel processor, but also but cut it#s cost down to a reasonable price. Combine with it#s simplistic design and it#s cost-efficiency, this biodiesel processor has the potential to make biodiesel more accessible to everyone and advocate it#s benefits. Conclusions/Discussion From our research and construction of T.A.B.I., we have found that it is both feasible and economical to build semi-autonomous biodiesel processors for commercial use. Although home development of biodiesel is possible, a single household may not produce sufficient WWO to make processing economical. One shared processor for a small community is more feasible and a processor for a restaurant is especially efficient. Usage of such processors will cut down on the amount of WWO in landfills which harm the environment. When substituted for diesel, biodiesel is not only more cost effective, but more importantly, a cleaner burning fuel source.

Summary statement

To research the benefits of biodiesel and explore ways of making it more accessible to the public.

Help received

Parents helped with transportation, teacher helped aquire chemical materials

Awards (1)

  • Honorable Mention

Competition history

  • CSEF 2013 Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology · Entry S0513

Resources

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