The exhibited illustration demonstrates the cycle of manufacturing biodiesel.
Overall, there are eight primary stages to produce biodiesel, commencing with the photosynthesis of oil crops and culminating with the emission of carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.
At the beginning of the process, oil crops absorb sunlight and carbon dioxide to facilitate photosynthesis, which generates seeds. Then, these seeds are subsequently extracted to crude vegetable oil, which is then subjected to a refining process to enhance its quality. This refined vegetable oil is essential for the next phase of the cycle.
In the subsequent stage, refined vegetable oil undergoes transesterification with the addition of alcohol, obtaining a glycerol solution and biodiesel. While glycerol has applications in the food, industry, and cosmetics, biodiesel is used in various types of vehicles. Finally, the biodiesel is consumed, and carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, thereby maintaining the cycle as it returns to the oil crops through photosynthesis