Biodiesel Project
This award-winning* project, developed jointly by Applied Research and Innovation Services and The School of Hospitality and Tourism, reduces SAIT's environmental footprint and demonstrates leadership in greening the campus.  | Early in 2008, SAIT Polytechnic's School of Hospitality and Tourism was looking for a way to reduce costs and help "green" the campus. Of particular concern was the disposal of waste cooking oil generated in the culinary classrooms. Through a collaboration with Applied Research and Innovation Services and funding through the Applied Research Fund, the Biodiesel Processing
project was born in August the same year.
*won the 2009 DIRTT Innovation Award for Technical Implementation and a 2009 League of Innovation award. | Benefits
Production Process
Quality Assurance
Business Services
Contact
Benefits
SAIT now closes the lifecycle of used cooking oil in an environmentally friendly way and actually generates revenue through biodiesel sales. This revenue helps maintain operation of the project and investigate other aspects of biodiesel production and cold weather operability.Biodiesel reduces tailpipe emissions by up to 75 per cent compared to standard petroleum diesel. Emissions such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur (which contributes to acid rain formation) and particulate matter are all reduced. Diesel engines also benefit from the use of biodiesel. Due to its increased lubricity, a blend of only five per cent to regular diesel can decrease engine wear by up to 50 per cent. In addition, the solvent properties help clean out soot and other residue left over from burning regular diesel. 
Production Process
SAIT Polytechnic has developed one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable ways of producing biodiesel. The following process goals were established to minimize environmental impact: - Minimize energy requirements and reactant inputs
- Eliminate waste streams
- Recycle 100% of the excess alcohol
- Find valuable use of the glycerol by-product.
 | In March 2010, a new and highly advanced processor was constructed in the SAIT FABLab. This heavy duty reactor is the first processor of its kind, using cutting edge technology. The key feature of this vessel is that it is a hybrid system, combining two unit operations -- a batch reactor and methanol recovery system. This system is controlled by an automated control panel, reducing personal labour. |
Quality Assurance
The biodiesel sold at SAIT is tested in-house by our trained laboratory technologists. Although not ASTM certified, SAIT has contracted MAXXAM Analytics in Edmonton to perform testing on randomly chosen batches. SAIT holds a Director position on the Alberta Biodiesel Association - Quality Committee Chair, and makes quality its highest priority in biodiesel production . 
Business Services
SAIT offers a wide range of services for biodiesel-related projects through Applied Research and Innovation Services, including: - Industry research projects related to biofuels
- Restaurant waste vegetable oil services
- Plant tours and laboratory-based information sessions
- Fabrication of biodiesel processors
- Biodiesel consulting and assistance
- Biodiesel process design and simulation
To purchase SAIT biodiesel, please contact Synergy Biofuels.
Contact Information
Connor Graham, Principal Investigator Applied Research and Innovation Services
SAIT Polytechnic
MD115 (Heart Building "D" Wing), 1301-16 Avenue NW
Calgary, AB, Canada
T2S 0E9 Phone: 403.284.7056
Fax: 403.210.4589 (Attn: Biodiesel Research)
Email: applied.research@sait.ca For more information regarding purchasing SAIT biodiesel, please contact: Synergy Biofuels or phone 403.816.3431 Or check this link for more information about biodiesel in Alberta.
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