Effect of binder concentration on properties of low-cost fly ash-based tubular ceramic membrane and its application in separation of glycerol from biodiesel. (15th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goswami, Kakali Priyam; Pugazhenthi, G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 319(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-15
• Subjects: Fly ash -- Tubular membrane -- Binder -- Na-CMC -- Glycerol; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128679
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Removal of glycerol to obtain cleaner biodiesel is a matter of concern for many industries as glycerol in biodiesel can be a fatal source of engine failure. Looking at the efficacy of ceramic membranes in separation processes, fly ash based tubular membranes are being used for this purpose. Use of fly ash in membrane fabrication itself is a step towards converting hazardous waste into valuable resource, which ultimately helps in achieving a healthy and cleaner environment. As in the production of ceramic membranes, binders play a crucial role, membranes were fabricated using different concentrations (2–3.5 wt%) of sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) binder in order to get the optimized membrane properties. The fabricated membranes portrayed a wide range of properties (mechanical strength 12.60–20.28 MPa, average pore diameter 0.133–0.190 μm, porosity 40.17–41.65%) and hence, an optimized binder concentration was chosen for further application. The membranes synthesized with 2 wt% Na-CMC solution (membrane M2) showed outstanding mechanical (20.28 ± 2.09 MPa) and chemical stability (6.56 ± 1.67% weight loss in acid; 2.77 ± 0.67% weight loss in base) along with a mean pore size of 0.133 μm. Membrane M2 was further taken for separation of glycerol from biodiesel emulsion. It was found that the membrane successfully removed glycerol from a synthetic solution of biodiesel and the final permeate was found to satisfy ASTM D6751 and EN14214 regulations regarding the free glycerol content in biodiesel. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Conversion of waste fly ash into valuable resource in the form of tubular membranes. Fabrication of tubular membranes using varied concentration of Na-CMC binder. Higher binder concentration causes formation of uneven pores in membrane matrix. Free glycerol in the biodiesel permeate follows ASTM D6751 and EN14214 norms. Fabricated membrane is a low cost industrially viable alternative.