The properties of glycerine pitch: a cost-effective and sustainable feedstock for bioconversion, chemical production and energy source Abu Hassan Noor Armylisas Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Malaysia Glycerine pitch, a byproduct of oleochemical industries, is a viscous, highly alkaline and contain high organic content leading to substantial disposal cost and environmental concerns. This study conducts analyses of glycerine pitch samples obtained from two different oleochemical refineries in Malaysia. The characterisation of the glycerine pitch samples encompasses a comprehensive assessment of their composition and various properties, including physicochemical properties, ultimate and proximate analysis. The results showed that the samples consisted of high glycerol content (63.9–71.5%), water (3.44–9.69%), salt (4.6–9.2%) and matter organic non-glycerol (MONG) (13.4–19.1%). The samples also contained trace amount of soap from the biodiesel production process. Both samples exhibited high pH above 11, attributed to the alkaline catalyst used in biodiesel production. The calorific values and carbon content of the samples ranged from 9.0 to 16.2 MJ/kg and from 23.9 to 34.8% respectively. From these results, we can conclude that the pitch obtained from different refineries has different composition and characteristics. Nevertheless, both samples contain a high organic content that could potentially be used as a fuel source for furnaces and boilers, as well as a carbon source for bioconversion. With its high glycerol content, glycerine pitch can also serve as a building block for chemical conversion.
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