SLTC Green Ignitions to Introduce Biodiesel for Commercial Use
In the past year, Sri Lanka along with many other countries in the world was pushed into an energy crisis of unprecedented proportions, leading to increased interest in biodiesel as a potential alternative fuel source. However, the practicality of producing biodiesel on a large scale can be challenging. Green Ignitions, a biodiesel start-up incubated at the SLTC Research University, is a team of engineering undergraduates working to tackle this problem.
Led by Manusha Wijesinghe, the team of five includes Sithira Sathsara, Sasanga Samarakoon,
Theshan Samaraweera, and Kaiz Noorhamith, playing various roles in varying capacities in technology, finance, logistics, management, and administrative tasks. Working out of their lab at Kolonnawa, the team is guided by Dr Nicoloy Gurusinghe and Dr Indika Thushari and is supported by the university, with special mention to the University’s President Eng. Ranjith G. Rubasinghe, who has been a great pillar of strength since the inception of the project.
Success Fuelled by Unwavering Effort
Biodiesel is a substitute for diesel fuel produced using oil-containing free fatty acids. Transesterification, a term used to refer to the production process, uses edible oil, alcohol, and a catalyst. The first step of the process is to test the oil for acidity, which determines the amount of catalyst that will be required for a batch. The oil is then filtered, boiled, and mixed with alcohol, to which the catalyst is introduced to produce an alkoxide. The reaction is heated to specific temperatures for optimal results. The result is the separation of biodiesel and glycerol. The biodiesel is then boiled, washed, and tested for its pH value which has to remain between 7-9.
The Green Ignitions team faced several challenges in developing the right formula and process, but after continuous experimentation at the SLTC Chemistry Lab, the team succeeded in producing a batch of highquality biodiesel. However, it’s important to note that the process should only be carried out under expert supervision adhering to strict safety precautions, as alcohols and catalysts can be flammable and irritant, respectively.