Optimization of Jatropha curcas oil-pressing for Biodiesel production

Publication Type

Contribution to conference

Authors

Karaj S, Müller J

Year of publication

2009

Published in

Proceedings of the 2nd International Congress on Biodiesel

Page (from - to)

1

Conference name

2nd International Congress on Biodiesel: "The Science and The Technology"

Conference location

München (Germany)

Conference date

15.-17.11.2009

Keywords

Jatropha

Jatropha curcas might be used as alternative fuel and since it is a non – edible vegetable oil it has a very significant function because of the demand for edible oils as food. The objective of this study was the optimization of oil-pressing with respect to oil quality for biodiesel production. For this study, dried J. curcas seeds (mc. 9 % db.) were imported from India. The experiments were carried out with a mechanical screw press type (Komet D85-1G). The screw press was modified and sensors were installed for measuring parameters such as oil recovery, temperature, pressure, energy requirement, torque and angular velocity. The data were collected with a data acquisition unit (hp 34970A) and then transferred as Excel files, for further statistical analyses with OriginLab-8 software. Chemical properties such as: density, kinematic viscosity, calorific value, and iodine value, melting point, flashing point, water content, carbon impurities, phosphor content, calcium and magnesium content, total contamination, acid value, fatty acid and free fatty acid were analysed according German Standard protocols (DIN) and results were compared with European standard for biodiesel production (EN 14214).