Development of New Biodiesel Synthesis in Thailand

HiBD Biofuel: The Ultimate Low Carbon Diesel Fuel

Principal Investigator

- Prof.
  ASAMI Kenji
  Faculty of Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu

ODA Recipient Country

Kingdom of Thailand

Research Institutions in Japan

The University of Kitakyushu / Kitakyushu Foundation for the Advancement of Industry Science and Technology (FAIS) / Kitakyushu International Techno-Cooperative Association (KITA) / Nippon Institute of Technology (NIT)

Research Institutions in Counterpart Country

Chulalongkorn University (CU)

Adoption fiscal year

FY 2010

Research Period

4 Years

Overview of the Research Project

Chemical synthesis of high-quality diesel fuel from fats and oils
Thailand and other Southeast Asian nations are displaying remarkable economic growth, and demand for diesel fuel for transportation has increased substantially. Since it is difficult to secure sufficient diesel, and the concomitant increase in CO₂ emissions presents a major problem, there is an urgent need to bring in biofuel from renewable resources. In this project, researchers use their own chemical synthesis process to manufacture HiBD (High Bio Diesel), a high quality fuel derived from waste food oil and non-food oils such as palm oil that is indistinguishable from mineral diesel fuel.

Pilot production commences in Thailand
At the end of FY2012, a pilot plant with a capacity of 200 L/ Day (feedstock) was designed, constructed, and installed on the Saraburi Campus at Chulalongkorn University. In FY2013, the plant is commencing pilot production, using waste food oils as feedstock. The HiBD fuel the plant manufactures will be used for engine tests before proceeding to wider deployment and practical utilization.