Udaya Wanasundara

Title: Udaya Wanasundara: Innovator in Fatty Acid Processing

Introduction

Udaya Wanasundara is a notable inventor based in Saskatoon, Canada. He has made significant contributions to the field of fatty acid processing, holding a total of 3 patents. His innovative approaches have the potential to impact various industries, including biodiesel production and lubricants.

Latest Patents

Wanasundara's latest patents include a process for the recovery and purification of hydroxy fatty acids from source oils. This process involves methylating source oils to create hydroxy fatty acid methyl esters and separating them from non-hydroxy fatty acid methyl esters using a specific organic solvent mixture. The hydroxy fatty acids that can be recovered include ricinoleic acid, densipolic acid, lesquerolic acid, and auricolic acid. Additionally, the non-hydroxy fatty acid methyl esters can be further processed into biodiesel fuels and lubricants.

Another significant patent by Wanasundara is a process for separating saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. This method allows for the separation of a blend of fatty acids into two distinct fractions, one enriched with saturated fatty acids and the other with unsaturated fatty acids. The process includes saponifying the blend, complexing the free fatty acids with urea, and separating them accordingly.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Udaya Wanasundara has worked with various companies, including Pos Pilot Plant Corporation and Soymor. His expertise in fatty acid processing has been instrumental in advancing the technologies used in these organizations.

Collaborations

Wanasundara has collaborated with notable individuals in his field, including Roger Peterson and Lee Dexter. These partnerships have contributed to the development and refinement of his innovative processes.

Conclusion

Udaya Wanasundara is a distinguished inventor whose work in fatty acid processing has led to valuable patents and advancements in the industry. His contributions continue to influence the production of biodiesel and lubricants, showcasing the importance of innovation in this field.