Optimization of low cost biodiesel washing process from locally sourced materials for sub-Saharan Africa

Using vegetable oils to produce biodiesel is commonly carried out around the world. Most techniques rely on sophisticated production methods that aren't appropriate for rural, underdeveloped regions. This presents a challenge since these regions don't have access to modern manufacturing processes. Tropical regions such as Cameroon are rich in biological resources. Most villages have limited electricity or industrial resources so a lowtech appropriate technology (AT) based approach is required. This project focuses on solving a key challenge in the production of biodiesel - removing the soap produced as a side product of the transesterification reaction - in a simple and cost effective method. Evaluation of locally available resources for different wash additives with varying pH was conducted to yield the optimal washing process.