Energy feasibility and byproducts valuation of biodiesel production chain of Jatropha oil using ethanol as solvent and acyl acceptor

Abstract

This project aims to study the biodiesel production from Jatropha oil extracted with ethanol, including the potential use of its byproducts. Thanks to FAPESP research grants 04/15164-0 and 08/58334-3, the Laboratory of Oils and Fats of the Department of Agroindustry, Food and Nutrition (ESALQ / USP) viabilized the soybean oil extraction using ethanol as solvent. Miscella rich in oil obtained was the substrate for the transesterification study and ethyl esters production. It was shown that the biodiesel production from the miscella rich with alkaline catalyst is energetically feasible, reaching ethyl ester content higher than 97% whose quality parameters were within the limits established by the Brazilian legislation. Also, soybean meal produced is an adequate product for animal feed without the need for toasting due to the anti-nutritional compounds elimination and their high protein content. Given the energy feasibility and the positive results obtained in this process with soybean, it is believed that it is possible to achieve similar or even better results using Jatropha. The purpose of this study is to determine the technical and energy feasibility in the biodiesel production by direct transesterification from miscella ethanolic Jatropha oil extracted with ethanol. Study of the extraction process conditions will be conducted by the experimental design and response surface analysis. Energy feasibility will be evaluated based on the energy flow in the selected conditions. The byproducts from the extraction process (poor in oil miscellae and meals) will be studied and accounted into the energy balance of Jatropha biodiesel production chain.