Abstract
Fuel options are a viable energy sector that can promote economic independence from imported resources. Biodiesel is one such fuel source that presents itself as an efficient and independently sustainable option. Thus, it is valuable to characterize biodiesel in order to adhere to industry standards and determine repeatable processes to ensure subsequent batches of acceptable fuel. At California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), lab-scale biodiesel was produced and characterized in comparison with a commercial-quality sample of biodiesel using biodiesel conversion lab testing, soap titration lab testing, and water concentration lab testing. The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the feasibility of these lab testing methods as reliable methods for the predictability of fuel quality and process improvement before investing in commercial standard testing. These lab testing methods were validated as viable test methods and could provide future utility at CSUS for the production of biodiesel at commercial-scale by using waste vegetable oil from on-campus eateries and converting it into biodiesel with methanol and potassium hydroxide transesterification.