Biodiesel Plant: An Overview
Biodiesel is defined as long chain fatty acid alkyl esters obtained from vegetable oils or animal fats by the transesterification process. It is produced from vegetable oils, yellow grease, waste cooking oils or animal fats. The fuel is produced by transesterification is a process that converts fats and oils into biodiesel and glycerin (a coproduct). Biodiesel is a renewable source of energy that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize the carbon footprint of agriculture.
Biodiesel manufacturing plants refer to the addition of a methyl /ethyl group to the aliphatic chains in vegetable oils or animal fats rendering them equivalent to the properties of diesel. This is achieved by chemically reacting lipids with alcohol ( Methyl/Ethyl) producing fatty acid esters either in a Jatropha biodiesel plant, Karanja biodiesel plant, Mahua biodiesel plant, Enzymatic biodiesel, Continuous stirred tank reactor Biodiesel or a Multi feedstock B100 Biofuel Plant.
Biodiesel Production Plant in India
According to the alternative fuel data center – Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils, yellow grease, used cooking oils, or animal fats. Approximately 100 pounds of oil or fat are reacted with 10 pounds of a short chain alcohol in the presence of a catalyst (usually sodium hydroxide [NaOH] or potassium hydroxide [KOH]) to form 100 pounds of biodiesel and 10 pounds of glycerin (or glycerol). Glycerin, a co-product, is a sugar commonly used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Raw or refined oil, or recycled greases that have not been processed into biodiesel, are not biodiesel and should not be used as a vehicle fuel. Fats and oils (triglycerides) are much more viscous than biodiesel, and low-level vegetable oil blends can cause long-term engine deposits, ring sticking, lube-oil gelling, and other maintenance problems that can reduce engine life.
Jatropha Biodiesel Plant in India
Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) is a plant that originated in Mexico and now grows widespread in tropical and subtropical areas in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Biofuel development in India centres mainly on the cultivation and processing of Jatropha plant seeds, which are very rich in oil, ranging from 27 to 40%, and averaging 34.4%. The drivers for this are historic, functional, economic, environmental, moral and political. Jatropha crude oil was obtained by pressed the dried seeds using a machine and the crude oil used for Jatropha biodiesel production.
Where is Jatropha Plant Found in India?
Jatropha plants have been found in Udaipur, Kota, Sikar, Banswara, Chittor and Churu districts in Rajasthan India. In the Udaipur district, Jatropha curcas is planted in agroforestry formats with food or cash crops on marginal lands.
Jatropha Biodiesel Plant in India
Find below the list of cities and states where Jatropha is used in biodiesel production.
Jatropha Biodiesel Plant in Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh has entered into a formal agreement with Reliance Industries for Jatropha planting
Jatropha biodiesel plant in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is aggressively promoting the plantation of Jatropha to help farmers overcome the loss due to irregular rains during the past few years.
Jatropha biodiesel plant in Rajasthan
It is ideally suited for cultivation in Rajasthan as it needs very little water which is scarce in Rajasthan.
Jatropha biodiesel plant in Maharashtra
In September 2007, the (HPCL) joined hands with the Maharashtra State Farming Corporation Ltd (MSFCL) for a jatropha seed-based bio diesel venture.
Jatropha biodiesel plant in Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh has decided to plant 160 million saplings of jatropha in all its 16 districts during 2006 with the aim of becoming a bio fuel self-reliant state by 2015. Chhattisgarh plans to earn Rs. 40 billion annually by selling seeds after 2010.
Jatropha oil is one of the best sources for production of Biodiesel, an Eco friendly fuel. It is a replacement for mineral diesel or HSD throughout the Globe.
