Comparative Techno-Economic Analysis of Biodiesel Production Routes using Soybean Soapstock and Cow Tallow as Viable Feedstocks

Authors: *Mbah, C.G., Onukwuli, D.O. And Esonye, C.

DOI Info: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10442816

ABSTRACT

The techno-economic analysis of biodiesel production from cow tallow (CT) and soybean soapstock (SBS) as feedstock was presented in this study. The production of biodiesel from SBS required esterification and transesterification reactions while CT only required transesterification for its biodiesel production. The yield for soybean soapstock biodiesel production was 99.9% with a net present value (NPV) of N109,482,384 ($251,684) and return on investment (ROI) of 38.47% over a 9 month period, while the CT biodiesel production afforded a 94% yield with N87,460,690 ($201,059) NPV, and 30.28% ROI over a 10 month period. The internal rate of return (IRR) of 88% for soybean soapstock biodiesel further highlighted its economic superiority when compared to that of cow tallow biodiesel at 80%. Though both processes recorded break-even points within the first year, SBS biodiesel production can be operated at a lower capacity (60%) to break-even when compared to CT biodiesel production at 80%. Analysis of the economic parameters of the processes required for the biodiesel production from CT and SBS showed that SBS is more economically viable when compared to CT. Profitability indices such as NPV, ROI and IRR values were all higher for biodiesel production from SBS due to its more efficient conversion. SBS though a more expensive feedstock requiring additional processes, can be regarded as the more cost-effective feedstock for biodiesel production.

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