Biofuel Extraction Techniques

1Plant Seed Oils and Their Potential for Biofuel Production in India

L. C. Meher^1,2 and S. N. Naik^1*

¹ Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India

² Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research, DRDO, Haldwani, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

Many tree-borne oilseed plants are grown in India which produce non-food grade oil. Some of these have the potential to produce feedstock for biodiesel. Plants such as Pongamia and Jatropha are found throughout the country, whereas Mahua, Rubber, and Nahor are found in specific regions. The oilseeds are collected to a lesser extent by the local population for traditional uses as medicine, to fuel lamps, etc. and for the preparation of soap in industries. The National Mission on Biofuel has focused to grow Jatropha, whereas the existing tree born oilseeds are also potential sources for biodiesel feedstock. Non-edible oils with their potential as biodiesel feedstock in the country is discussed in this chapter. The oilseed plants less explored for biodiesel have also been discussed.

Keywords: Biodiesel, vegetable oil, non-edible oil, transesterification, methyl esters, jatropha, pongamia

1.1 Introduction

Presently, petroleum fractions are the preferred fuels for internal composition engines used for transport, as well as in the industrial and agricultural sectors. The global consumption of fossil based liquid fuels was above 100 million barrels per day during 2019 and ...