Warm Climate Feedstocks for Biodiesel

Did you know the state tree of Hawaii, the candlenut tree or kukui, can produce oil for biodiesel energy? Oil palm, coconut, jatropha, croton, candlenut, and tallow tree are warm climate trees whose oil from nuts, seeds or fruits can be used to make biodiesel.

Coconuts grows in most tropical areas.

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Introduction

Although the following trees and crops are not generally grown commercially in the United States, American farmers …

Mechanical Extraction Processing Technology for Biodiesel

Introduction

Oil separation, the extraction of oil from seeds or plant parts, is accomplished by mechanical pressing, sometimes followed by chemical extraction. Mechanical pressing alone does not remove all the oil from the seed. Chemical extraction uses a solvent to remove the remaining oil that mechanical press cannot. Chemical, mechanical, and solvent extraction are terms accepted and understood by the industry.

Small biodiesel businesses will likely extract oil from seeds using a mechanical method – a press that squeezes the …

Using Mustard Oil for Biodiesel

The “Mustard Bug” is not a pest, but a VW that runs on biodiesel made from mustard oil at the University of Idaho where they are researching mustard oil’s energy potential for biodiesel fuel.

Mustard flowers. Photo: Riyaas; Wikimedia Commons.

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Introduction

Mustard seed oil is not currently a common biodiesel feedstock, but because it has the potential to be a cheaper feedstock than the two most common oilseeds …

Rapeseed and Canola for Biodiesel Production

Oil from rapeseed or canola seed, the edible crop varieties, is used in biodiesel energy production. The oil has a low cloud point so it gels at lower temperatures than many other feedstocks.

Canola plants growing at Tennessee State University research farm. Photo: Jason de Koff, Extension Assistant Professor, Tennessee State University.

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Rapeseed