Abstract
The focus of this study is to analyze the energy flows related to cardoon oil processing based on the estimated electricity consumption. It was carried out in a prototype oilseed extraction plant located in Umbria Region, Italy. This installation consists of the following processes: seed weight-storage, transportation, sifting, milling, filtering, and oil storage. Approximately 49,000 kg dry basis (DB) of cardoon seeds (Cynara cardunculus) were processed. Cardoon seeds were chosen as a feedstock due to their sustainability characteristics. Before processing, samples of raw material were analyzed in terms of moisture, oil content, impurity, density, and lower heating value. The input–output flows were measured in terms of weight and energy consumption. Its data were used to perform the mass-energy balance and estimate the efficiency of processes. About 8505 kg of filtered oil was obtained from raw material. The efficiency of the process chain was 84.42% concerning the oil content in the seeds. For the same period, the plant required a total of 17,556 MJ of electric energy from the grid for its operation. 321,507 MJ were obtained from oil and 688,875 MJ from oilcake. About 5.48% of the energy produced by oil extraction was virtually used in the process.
Highlights
In the current scenario of population growth, declining biodiversity, and increasing climate change, the importance of studying and implementing the use of alternative energy sources with a high level of sustainability has grown
The raw material presented, based on its characterization, an average of 2.39% of moisture, total impurities of 7%, and seeds presented a total of 20.64% of oil content
In the processing phase that lasted between 2 May to 15 June, from 49,216.68 kg dry basis (DB) of raw material, with approximately 7.00% impurities, 387 kg of residues were removed, which represented a removal of approximately 1% of the total initial mass value
Summary
In the current scenario of population growth, declining biodiversity, and increasing climate change, the importance of studying and implementing the use of alternative energy sources with a high level of sustainability has grown. The energy production from non-food crops and residual biomass emerges as an interesting option to save resources and protect the environment, becoming one of the largest fields of research to produce biofuels and biochemicals [4]. In this respect, stands the cultivation of Cynara cardunculus due to its interesting sustainability characteristics, confirmed by several studies in the last 30 years. The development cycle of Cynara cardunculus in other climate conditions has been described by various authors [7,8,9,10,11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
