Biodiesel: Freedom from Dependence on Fossil Fuels?

B. Anjan Kumar Prusty,Rachna Chandra,P. A. Azeez

doi:10.1038/npre.2008.2658.1

B. Anjan Kumar Prusty, Rachna Chandra + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/npre.2008.2658.1

Copy DOI

Abstract

AbstractIn view of the depleting oil reserves and exponential rise in petroleum prices, the search for alternative sources of fuel is very timely and important. The present paper addresses the underlying issues in biodiesel production from biomaterials and sustainable production and supply of first-generation biofuels, especially the one from jatropha. The agencies and research institutions involved in the production of biofuels and the national and international efforts made in this regard are discussed here. There is also a dire need of a step towards large-scale production and supply of second-generation biofuels, although in infant stage, to strengthen the world economy in general and Indian economy in particular. However, the production of biofuels are likely to have serious socio-economic implications especially to the lesser developed societies. This needs serious attention from policy makers and public at large.

Highlights

To cater to the increasing transport requirements of the rising population, the nu m b er of auto m o biles has risen in w orld in general and India in particular after the general econo mic liberalization in the country in the early 1990s (Mohanraj and Azeez 2005)
As govern m e nts across the globe co m e to grips with global war ming, biofuels are seen as a prag m atic step toward reducing carbon e missions
A growing nu m b er of countries no w require various qualityassess m e nts to ensure that the renewa ble fuel co m plies with approved specification and standards

Summary

Introduction

To cater to the increasing transport requirements of the rising population, the nu m b er of auto m o biles has risen in w orld in general and India in particular after the. Biodiesel as defined by the W orld Custo m s Organization (W C O ) is “a mixture of m o n o alkyl esters of longchain [C1618] fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats,which is a do m e stic rene wable fuel for diesel engines and which m e ets the international specifications (AST M D 6751).”. Biodiesel,derived from the oils and fats of plants like soybean, cotton, sunflower, jojoba, rapeseed , canola, Jatropha curcas (Peterson et al 1983, Schlautman et al 1986, Yong 1998, Alhasan et al.2005) and anim al fat can be used as a substitute or an additive to diesel It has almost no Sulphur and has about 10 % built in oxygen. Viscosity at 40oC (m m 2/s) Flash point (oC) C F P P (oC) Pour point (oC) C etane nu m b er N eutralization nu m b er

Selection Process for Biofuel Production

Glycerin rem oved

Advantages of Biodiesel

The Indian Scenario

Findings

Conclusion