Removal of saturated fatty acid methyl esters from biodiesel using urea clathration

Biodiesel is a non-traditional energy source from waste oils and fats where triglycerides are converted into Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAMEs). Unfortunately, the biodiesel cloud point varies depending upon the source of oil or fat. Through a process called clathration, the saturated FAMEs can be removed from solution, leading to a lower cloud point. The clathration process involves heating the biodiesel with urea and methanol. The mixture is then cooled and separated, resulting in a biodiesel with a lower percentage of saturated FAMEs. After going through the process once the amount of saturated FAMEs is decreased to 30% of the original amount and the cloud point is reduced from 17°C to 9°C. The % yield of the improved biodiesel after the process is 70%.