Crude glycerine is a by product produced from biodesel plants via the conventional transesterification process. Typically 10% to 12% (by weight) of crude glycerine is produced for every tonne of biodiesel produced. Crude glycerine normally contains 50% to 60% of glycerine depending on the process. The main impurity in crude glycerine which needs to be further removed is metal-soap (e.g. Na-soap or K-soap). The soap is unintentionally produced during the transesterification process, and the amount of soap in crude glycerine can range from 8% to 15%. MPOB has develop a process for treating crude glycerine for the production of a technical grade glycerine with a glycerine content of 85%.

Main Research: Dr Harrison Lau