Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated biodiesel production device for waste edible oil that is capable of converting waste edible oils into biodiesel using a trans-esterification process and also useful in the renewable energy and waste management by providing an efficient, automated method of producing biodiesel from used cooking oils and other waste edible oils, employing automation for processing, heating, mixing, catalyzing, filtering, and purifying biodiesel, making it an efficient and eco-friendly solution for waste oil recycling into biodiesel fuel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Biodiesel is an important renewable energy source that offers a range of environmental, economic, and energy security benefits. Its significance is growing as the world seeks to transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy alternatives. biodiesel is a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels like petroleum diesel. When burned, it releases significantly fewer greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter. This makes biodiesel an important tool in combating climate change. The development of biodiesel production methods and devices has evolved alongside the growing demand for renewable energy sources and the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

[0003] Initially, biodiesel was produced using basic processes such as pressing oils from seeds or extraction from animal fats. However, the technology was rudimentary, and biodiesel production was not widespread due to the lack of efficient methods for extraction and refinement. The key breakthrough in biodiesel production came with the transesterification process. The high energy input required for the transesterification process made it economically unfeasible without substantial government subsidies or incentives. During the global oil crises, interest in alternative fuels such as biodiesel grew. Large-scale production systems began to emerge, and biodiesel started being used as a blend with traditional petroleum diesel to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The automation of biodiesel systems still required high upfront capital investment, making it difficult for small producers to adopt the technology.

[0004] US7528272B2 provides a biodiesel process capable of yielding a mono-alkyl ester biodiesel. In one embodiment, a process for yielding biodiesel comprises providing a feed stream. Preferably, the feed stream comprises mono-alkyl esters, salts, alcohol and glycerol. The process also comprises substantially separating alcohol from the feed stream to yield a first stream. The first stream comprises mono-alkyl esters, glycerol and salts. A separation of alcohol from the first stream is performed by volatility. Furthermore, the process of the invention comprises substantially separating salts from the first stream to yield a vapor stream. The vapor stream also comprises mono-alkyl esters and glycerol. Separation of salts of the vapor stream is also performed by volatility. Glycerol and mono-alkyl esters of the vapor stream are also substantially separated so as to yield a biodiesel. Preferably, the biodiesel is a fuel grade biodiesel comprising fatty acid mono-alkyl esters.

[0005] WO2007113530A2 disclosure relates to the field of biodiesel production to provide fuel for diesel internal combustion engines. In particular, the disclosure seeks to provide an improved process for manufacturing diesel fuels having at least a component derived from waste natural (non- synthetic) oils which are contaminated with free fatty- acids, especially used cooking oil. Accordingly, there is provided a process for the production of biodiesel from natural oils comprising: providing waste natural oil having a relatively high free fatty acid content, providing virgin natural oil having a relatively low, or zero, free fatty acid content, blending the waste oil and virgin oil in appropriate proportions to produce an oil blend having a target reduced free fatty acid content, stripping the oil blend to produce distilled fatty acids and separating the fatty acids from the oil blend, feeding the oil blend to a transesterification stage thereby to form biodiesel end product. Also provided is apparatus for conducting this process.

[0006] Conventionally, evolution of biodiesel production devices and systems has significantly improved the efficiency, scalability, and sustainability of the process. However, challenges related to feedstock availability, byproduct management, economic viability, and environmental impact persist. While automated systems have improved efficiency, many biodiesel production methods still rely on complex chemical processes that require constant monitoring and control, which is not be ideal for small-scale, decentralized production systems.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to integrate automation, energy efficiency, flexibility, and environmental sustainability into a single, user-friendly solution. Furthermore, the developed device also needs to provide high-quality biodiesel while minimizing waste and reducing operational costs.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an automated device for production of biodiesel from waste edible oils, minimizing manual intervention and ensuring highly efficient process.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device to automate the purification of crude biodiesel, ensuring that the final product is free of impurities like dust, residual methanol, and glycerol.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that improves efficiency and scalability of biodiesel production, allowing users to process varying quantities of waste edible oils based on their needs, using simple user inputs.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an automated biodiesel production device for waste edible oil that processes waste edible oil into biodiesel with minimal environmental impact and user supervision, from dispensing oil and methanol to purifying the final product without requiring manual intervention.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated biodiesel production device for waste edible oil, comprises of a housing developed to be positioned on a ground surface installed with a pair of chambers stored with waste edible oil and methanol, a touch interactive display panel mounted on housing to provide input details to initiate processing of edible oil, a heating tank installed inside housing connected to chambers via a pipe, a motorized iris unit integrated with chambers to dispense methanol and edible oil, a heating unit integrated with heating tank to heat the waste edible oil and methanol, a first motorized stirrer inside heating tank to stir mixture, and a compartment stored with sodium hydroxide connected to heating tank for introducing sodium hydroxide into mixture.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a vacuum filtration unit provided underside heating chamber for separating crude biodiesel from glycerol, a motorized ball-and-socket joint connected between base of housing and filtration unit to transfer filtered biodiesel to a separatory funnel integrated in continuation to filtering unit, a motorized stopcock connected to bottom of funnel to transfer glycerol into a waste storage box installed inside housing, a container provided underside separatory funnel, a distilled water storage receptacle connected to separatory funnel to clean crude biodiesel from dust particles, a second motorized stirrer installed inside receptacle to agitate water-biodiesel mixture, allowing water to settle to bottom and drain into the waste storage box, and a motorized iris hole integrated with water storage receptacle for transfer of water inside container.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an automated biodiesel production device for waste edible oil.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to an automated biodiesel production device for waste edible oil that makes the process of production of biodiesel from waste edible oils easier by minimizing manual intervention and ensuring a highly efficient process.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated biodiesel production device for waste edible oil is illustrated, comprising a housing 101 installed with a pair of chambers 102 stored with waste edible oil and methanol, a touch interactive display panel 103 mounted on housing 101, a heating tank 104 installed inside housing 101 connected to chambers 102 via a pipe 105, a motorized iris unit 106 integrated with chambers 102, a first motorized stirrer 107 inside heating tank 104, a compartment 108 stored with sodium hydroxide connected to heating tank 104, a vacuum filtration unit 113 provided underside heating tank 104, a motorized stopcock 109 connected to bottom of a separatory funnel 110 to transfer glycerol into a waste storage box 111 installed inside housing 101, a container 112 provided underside separatory funnel 110, a distilled water storage receptacle 114 connected to separatory funnel 110 and a second motorized stirrer 115 installed inside container.

[0023] The device disclosed herein comprises of a housing 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface providing stability during processing. The housing 101 is compact yet spacious enough to accommodate the internal components, which include two primary chambers 102. One chamber is designated for holding waste edible oil, while the other chamber stores methanol, a key reagent used in the transesterification process to produce biodiesel.

[0024] The chambers 102 are designed to hold the respective substances securely. The user via a touch interactive display panel 103 mounted on the housing 101 provide input details to initiate processing of the edible oil and amount of biodiesel the user desires to manufacture. The display panel 103 allows users to input the necessary details regarding the processing operation. Through this interface, the user can specify the volume of waste edible oil they wish to process and the corresponding amount of biodiesel they aim to produce.

[0025] The display panel 103 is intuitive and designed to facilitate ease of use, with step-by-step prompts guiding the user through the entire process. The display panel 103 as mentioned herein is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details to initiate processing of the edible oil.

[0026] The touch controller is typically connected to the microcontroller through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit). Upon receiving user’s commands, a microcontroller linked with the display panel 103 actuates a motorized iris unit 106 integrated with each of the chambers 102 to open and dispense the methanol and edible oil inside a heating tank 104 installed inside the housing 101 and connected to the chambers 102 via a pipe 105.

[0027] The iris unit 106 typically composed of a series of thin, overlapping blades or petals arranged in a circular or hexagonal pattern. The microcontroller sends signals to the motor of the iris lid to regulate the flow of liquid from the chambers 102. The motor then rotates or moves the iris blades to open the iris lid to the desired position and as the iris lid opens the liquids are dispensed on the heating tank 104.

[0028] A flow meter is incorporated with the iris unit 106 to continuously monitor and measure the exact quantity of both waste edible oil and methanol being dispensed into the heating compartment 108. The flow meter works by measuring the rate at which the oil and methanol pass through the pipe 105 and into the heating tank 104. This ensures that the exact volumes of each substance are accurately tracked.

[0029] The readings from the flow meter are sent to the microcontroller, which is linked to the interactive display panel 103. The microcontroller uses this data to verify that the correct amounts of each material are being dispensed, based on the user’s input and the desired production volume of biodiesel. If necessary, the microcontroller adjust the operation of the motorized iris unit 106 to correct any discrepancies in flow, ensuring that the proportions of waste oil to methanol remain within the optimal range for biodiesel production.

[0030] Post successful transfer of liquids inside the heating tank 104, the microcontroller actuates a heating unit integrated with the heating tank 104 to heat the waste edible oil and methanol to an optimum temperature. The microcontroller ensures that the heating unit brings the mixture to the desired temperature for the chemical reaction to occur effectively. Typically, the optimum temperature for the transesterification reaction ranges from 55 to 90°C, and the microcontroller maintains precise control over the temperature to keep it within this range.

[0031] By doing so, the microcontroller ensures that the reaction between the oil and methanol proceeds efficiently, leading to high-quality biodiesel production. Activated by the microcontroller, the heating unit typically consists of electric heating elements that gradually raise the temperature of the mixture to the optimal level for transesterification, usually between 55-90°C. The microcontroller monitors and adjusts the heating process to maintain this target temperature, ensuring an efficient chemical reaction.

[0032] In addition to heating, the heating tank 104 is also equipped with a first motorized stirrer 107 that is also controlled by the microcontroller. The first stirrer continuously agitates the oil-methanol mixture within the tank, promoting thorough mixing and ensuring that the two substances combine uniformly. This constant motion enhances the transesterification process, as it helps to keep the methanol and waste edible oil in a homogenous state, allowing for more effective chemical interaction.

[0033] The first motorized stirrer 107 is designed to run continuously throughout the heating process, and the microcontroller ensures that the first stirrer operates at the appropriate speed and for the correct duration, based on the specific requirements of the user’s biodiesel production. Connected to the heating tank 104 is a compartment 108 stored with sodium hydroxide to catalyze conversion of waste edible oil into methyl ester and glycerol.

[0034] The compartment 108 containing sodium hydroxide plays a critical role in the biodiesel production process by introducing a catalyst into the mixture of waste edible oil and methanol. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is commonly used in biodiesel production because it facilitates the transesterification reaction, which converts the triglycerides in waste oil into methyl ester (biodiesel) and glycerol. The sodium hydroxide is dispensed into the heating tank 104 in precise quantities, either directly or through a controlled mechanism, where it reacts with the methanol and the waste oil to catalyze the conversion of triglycerides into biodiesel and glycerol.

[0035] Once the transesterification reaction is complete and the mixture has reached the desired temperature and composition, the next critical step is separating the crude biodiesel from the glycerol by-product. To facilitate this, the device is equipped with a vacuum filtration unit 113, positioned underneath the heating tank 104 that helps in the separation process. The heated mixture, containing both biodiesel and glycerol, is directed into the filtration unit.

[0036] Moistened filter paper is placed inside the vacuum filtration unit 113 to assist in the separation process. The filter paper acts as a barrier, allowing only the lighter crude biodiesel to pass through while trapping any solid impurities or remaining contaminants that may be present in the mixture. As the mixture is poured into the filtration unit, the filter paper ensures that the biodiesel is effectively separated from the glycerol, which is heavier and will remain in the bottom of the jar.

[0037] To facilitate the separation of the crude biodiesel from glycerol, the vacuum unit is connected to the filtration unit. The vacuum unit works by creating negative pressure within the jar, which moves air particles and accelerates the filtration process. The vacuum helps pull the crude biodiesel through the filter paper and into the filtration unit more efficiently. This allows for the faster removal of biodiesel from the mixture, ensuring that the process is both efficient and thorough. By applying suction, the vacuum unit ensures that the biodiesel is properly separated from the glycerol layer, which will remain in the jar. This step is crucial in obtaining a clean, purified biodiesel product

[0038] The vacuum filtration unit 113 works by applying a vacuum pressure that assists in drawing the mixture through a filter, separating the crude biodiesel from the heavier glycerol, which sinks to the bottom. This filtration process ensures that the biodiesel is isolated, while the glycerol, which is a by-product of the reaction, is separated and collected for disposal or further processing. The vacuum filtration unit 113 is essential for refining the biodiesel and ensuring that it is free of impurities, improving its quality for use as a fuel.

[0039] Once the filtration process is complete, a motorized ball and socket joint connected between base of the housing 101 and the filtration unit comes into play. The ball-and-socket joint is linked to the vacuum filtration unit 113 and is responsible for transferring the filtered biodiesel into a separatory funnel 110 integrated in continuation to the filtering unit for further purification.

[0040] The motorized ball and socket joint enables the precise pouring of the crude biodiesel into the separatory funnel 110, allowing for easy handling and minimal mess. This mechanism ensures that the biodiesel can be separated from any remaining water or impurities and prepared for the final stages of the biodiesel production process. After the vacuum filtration unit 113 has removed the bulk of the glycerol and impurities from the crude biodiesel, the filtered biodiesel is directed into the separatory funnel 110 for further purification.

[0041] The motorized ball-and-socket joint ensures smooth, controlled movement of the filtration unit, precisely directing the filtered biodiesel into the separatory funnel 110 without spillage or loss of material. The motorized ball-and-socket joint allows for automated handling of the biodiesel, reducing the need for manual intervention and maintaining the efficiency of the entire process.

[0042] The separatory funnel 110 is specifically designed to separate glycerol, which is denser, from the clean biodiesel, which is lighter. When the filtered biodiesel enters the separatory funnel 110, the two substances naturally separate due to their differing densities, with the biodiesel rising to the top and the glycerol sinking to the bottom. The funnel is positioned so that the glycerol is easily isolated and removed. This separation step is essential for ensuring that the biodiesel is of high purity, free from the byproduct glycerol, which must be removed before the biodiesel is used as fuel or for other applications.

[0043] To automate the removal of glycerol, a motorized stopcock 109 is installed at the bottom of the separatory funnel 110. The stopcock is controlled by the microcontroller and is opened or closed based on the desired flow of glycerol. Once the glycerol has settled at the bottom of the funnel, the motorized stopcock 109 allows the glycerol to be transferred into a waste storage box 111 that is installed inside the housing 101.

[0044] The waste storage box 111 is designed to safely contain the glycerol byproduct for disposal or recycling, ensuring that it does not contaminate the biodiesel or other parts of the device. The microcontroller’s automation ensures that the glycerol is removed at the correct time, without disrupting the separation of the biodiesel. This controlled process minimizes waste and ensures that the biodiesel is clean and ready for final use.

[0045] Once the glycerol has been effectively separated from the biodiesel in the separatory funnel 110, the cleaned biodiesel is transferred into a designated container 112 located beneath the funnel. The container 112 serves as the final collection point for the purified biodiesel, ensuring that it is properly contained and ready for use or further processing. A distilled water storage receptacle 114 is connected to the container 112. The distilled water storage receptacle 114 is an essential component integrated into the biodiesel production, designed to further purify the clean crude biodiesel.

[0046] After the biodiesel has been separated from glycerol in the separatory funnel 110 and transferred to the container 112, distilled water is introduced into the container 112 to help remove any remaining impurities, such as dust particles or trace amounts of contaminants that might still be present in the biodiesel. The addition of distilled water serves as a final cleansing step to ensure that the biodiesel is as pure and clean as possible before it is used or stored for future use.

[0047] The distilled water is connected to the container 112, and when activated by the microcontroller, it is dispensed into the clean biodiesel. The receptacle 114 is integrated with a motorized iris hole that dynamically adjusted by the microcontroller for transfer of water inside the container 112 to release the water at the right moment and in the correct quantity, ensuring that the water-biodiesel mixture achieves optimal purification without excess water diluting the biodiesel. The precise control of water addition is important to avoid over-dilution of the biodiesel, which could affect its quality and performance.

[0048] Once the distilled water is added to the clean biodiesel, a second motorized stirrer 115 installed inside the container 112 is used to agitate the mixture. The second motorized stirrer 115 ensures that the water and biodiesel are thoroughly mixed, allowing the water to interact with any residual impurities, such as dust or polar contaminants, that may still be present in the biodiesel. This agitation promotes the effective separation of unwanted particles, helping to release them from the biodiesel and allowing them to be removed.

[0049] After mixing, the water and biodiesel mixture undergoes phase separation due to their differing densities. The water, being denser than biodiesel, settles at the bottom of the container 112, while the clean biodiesel remains on top. The device is designed to allow the water to settle to the bottom of the container 112, and then the water can be drained out through a drainage unit. The waste storage box 111 is connected at the bottom of the container 112, and once the separation is complete, the water is drained into this waste storage box 111 for proper disposal.

[0050] In the device discussed above, there is a battery associated with the device that supplies current to all the components that need electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. The device is battery-operated and does not need any electrical voltage to function. Hence the presence of the battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., the user is able to place as well as move the device from one place to another as per the requirements

[0051] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the user sets it up by positioning the housing 101 on a stable ground surface. The device has two chambers 102: one filled with waste edible oil and the other with methanol. The user interacts with the display panel 103 to input the desired amount of biodiesel to be produced. The microcontroller receives these inputs, allowing it to manage the entire production process automatically. Once the user sets the parameters, the microcontroller activates the motorized iris unit 106 to dispense the specified amounts of waste edible oil and methanol from their respective chambers 102 into the heating tank 104. Next, the microcontroller activates heating unit, which heats the oil and methanol mixture to an optimal temperature (typically between 50°C to 60°C). Simultaneously, the motorized stirrer within the heating tank 104 is turned on to agitate the mixture continuously. To catalyze the reaction, sodium hydroxide is introduced into the heating tank 104.

[0052] In continuation, after the reaction, the mixture is transferred to the vacuum filtration unit 113, where suction is used to separate crude biodiesel from glycerol. The crude biodiesel is then directed through the ball-and-socket joint to the separatory funnel 110, where further separation occurs. Due to differences in density, glycerol settles at the bottom while biodiesel remains on top. The motorized stopcock 109 at the funnel’s bottom releases the glycerol into the waste storage box 111. The clean biodiesel flows into the container 112 beneath the separatory funnel 110 for final purification. Distilled water is added from the connected storage receptacle 114, and the motorized stirrer agitates the mixture to remove remaining impurities like dust and methanol. The water, now containing contaminants, settles at the bottom, while the clean biodiesel floats on top. The contaminated water is drained into the waste box 111, and the purified biodiesel is collected, ready for use. The device, managed by the microcontroller, automates the process for optimal efficiency and high-quality biodiesel production.

[0053] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , C , Claims:1) An automated biodiesel production device for waste edible oil, comprising:

i) a housing 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, installed with a pair of chambers 102 stored with waste edible oil and methanol, respectively, wherein a touch interactive display panel 103 is mounted on said housing 101 that is accessed by said user to provide input details to initiate processing of said edible oil and amount of biodiesel, said user desires to manufacture;
ii) a heating tank 104 installed inside said housing 101 connected to said chambers 102 via a pipe 105, wherein a microcontroller linked with said display panel 103 upon receiving said user’s commands actuates a motorized iris unit 106 integrated with said chambers 102 to open and dispense said methanol and edible oil inside said heating tank 104;
iii) a heating unit integrated with said heating tank 104 that is actuated by said microcontroller to heat said waste edible oil and methanol to an optimum temperature, wherein said heating tank 104 includes a first motorized stirrer 107 that is actuated by said microcontroller to continuously stir said mixture within said heating tank 104;
iv) a compartment 108 stored with sodium hydroxide connected to heating tank 104 for introducing sodium hydroxide into said mixture to catalyze conversion of waste edible oil into methyl ester and glycerol, wherein a vacuum filtration unit 113 is provided underside said heating tank 104 for separating crude biodiesel from glycerol, said vacuum filtration unit 113 receives a heated mixture of waste edible oil and methanol after the trans esterification reaction;
v) a motorized ball-and-socket joint connected between base of said housing 101 and said filtration unit to transfer filtered biodiesel to a separatory funnel 110 integrated in continuation to said filtering unit, wherein said separatory funnel 110 is configured to separate glycerol at bottom of funnel from clean biodiesel, and a motorized stopcock 109 is connected to bottom of funnel to transfer glycerol into a waste storage box 111 installed inside said housing 101 and said cleaned biodiesel is transferred inside a container 112 provided underside said separatory funnel 110; and
vi) a distilled water storage receptacle 114 connected to said container 112, wherein distilled water is added to clean crude biodiesel from dust particles, and a second motorized stirrer 115 installed inside said container is used to agitate said water-biodiesel mixture, allowing water to settle to bottom and drain into said waste storage box 111.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a flow meter is integrated with said motorized iris unit 106 to monitor quantity of waste edible oil and methanol entering the heating compartment 108.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized iris hole is integrated with said water storage receptacle 114, dynamically adjusted by said microcontroller for transfer of water inside said container 112.