Noeli Júlia Schüssler de Vasconcellos

Quality Control of b100 Biodiesel Obtained from soy Biodiesel Processing - Technical Note

The growing demand for energy and the depletion of non-renewable sources has generated a search for different energy sources, especially those that are renewable. In this context biodiesel presents itself as one of the most interesting energy source because of its renewable character and achievement of a number of society sectors with its diversified production chain in different locations. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of the biodiesel B100 produced industrially in Rio Grande do Sul during 2012 year. We determined the combined alkalinity, free glycerin content, total glycerin content, acid index and moisture content which ranged around 0.0002 m eq / g, 0.024% w / w, 0.21% w / w to 33 mg KOH / g and 343.7 mg / kg, respectively. These values were in accordance with current legislation. Thus it is concluded that the chemical process of trans-esterification was kept under control during the production period of the resulting biodiesel in a reliable energy source

CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOLOGICAL FLOC AND MICROFAUNA IN ACTIVATED SLUDGE SYSTEM

The microscopic investigation of the floc and the microfauna present in the sludge is an important indicator of the performance and efficiency of the activated sludge system. Given this importance, the study aimed to characterize the structure of the biological flocs and identify the organisms that make up the microfauna in the aeration tanks from the industrial WWTP, relating to the physico-chemical parameters and process efficiency. For the characterization of floc and microfauna qualitative microscopic technique was employed. The physical-chemical parameters were supplied by industry’s own laboratory. During the study were observed groups of testate amoebae, rotifers, attached ciliates and ciliates free natantes characterizing the process with good purification and as the structure of the flocs between ideal and filamentous bulking. Qualitative analysis of biological floc structure proved important for the identification of cases of the filamentous bulking.