Sourcing of fuels (U3 AOS 1) - Content question

[tbhstudying]

Hi guys,
Sorry if this is a stupid question, but what exactly is the "sourcing" of biodiesel? The study design specifies that we have to compare the sourcing of biodiesel and petrodiesel. So, would the sourcing of petrodiesel be from fractional distillation of crude oil (and I'll explain this process) whereas the sourcing of biodiesel would be the transesterification of triglycerides? Am I right with thinking this?

Thanks for your help!

[lazaward]

I think by sourcing it means where it comes from. Fractional distillation is how it’s produced not where it’s sourced. So for petrodiesel it is sourced from alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons (6 member carbon rings with alternating single/double bonds). Biodiesel is sourced from triglycerides and alcohol (to then form the fatty acid ester aka biodiesel). Hope this helps!

[TheAspiringDoc]

Yup, you're correct with both
Sure, have a go at explaining fractional distillation.
If you want to elaborate further on biodiesel, I believe it is a two step process involving hydrolysis and then esterification.

Edit: carolinsale is probably right - good pick up!

[Vaike]

In terms of sourcing I do agree with carolinsale-17's interpretation of it referencing that you need to know 'where' the fuels come from. I think it's worth mentioning that most of these questions will revolve around the environmental impacts of such sourcing; petrodiesel from crude oil is often extracted from oil reserves under the ocean floor, which can lead to damage of aquatic ecosystems, where as biodiesel is 'sourced' commonly from the oils produced from crops, taking up nutrient rich farmland that could otherwise be utilised to grow crops for food. Obviously there are other reasons too, but just familiarise yourself with where each comes from, how they are made and the environmental impacts of sourcing and production and you'll be fine

[tbhstudying]

I think by sourcing it means where it comes from. Fractional distillation is how it’s produced not where it’s sourced. So for petrodiesel it is sourced from alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons (6 member carbon rings with alternating single/double bonds). Biodiesel is sourced from triglycerides and alcohol (to then form the fatty acid ester aka biodiesel). Hope this helps!

Ohhh right. Thanks for creating that distinction, makes sense!! Appreciate it

[tbhstudying]

Yup, you're correct with both
Sure, have a go at explaining fractional distillation.
If you want to elaborate further on biodiesel, I believe it is a two step process involving hydrolysis and then esterification.

Edit: carolinsale is probably right - good pick up!

Sweet, thanks for your help!

[tbhstudying]

In terms of sourcing I do agree with carolinsale-17's interpretation of it referencing that you need to know 'where' the fuels come from. I think it's worth mentioning that most of these questions will revolve around the environmental impacts of such sourcing; petrodiesel from crude oil is often extracted from oil reserves under the ocean floor, which can lead to damage of aquatic ecosystems, where as biodiesel is 'sourced' commonly from the oils produced from crops, taking up nutrient rich farmland that could otherwise be utilised to grow crops for food. Obviously there are other reasons too, but just familiarise yourself with where each comes from, how they are made and the environmental impacts of sourcing and production and you'll be fine

Ohh ok, I'll make sure to include the impacts of such sourcing in my notes Thanks for your help!