Biodiesel from Jatropha Curcas Oil as an Alternative for Use in Diesel Engines

Biodiesel from Jatropha Curcas oil (not edible) can be produced at small and medium scale, having the potential to be an option for energy supply in isolated rural areas, especially in the Amazon rainforest. With the local production of biodiesel, the standard of living in rural communities can be improved, reducing migrations and fixing the rural population in the countryside.

The plant of Jatropha curcas is toxic because the seed contains curcin and alkaloids known as phorbol esters, which cause a purgative effect. Due to the toxicity of the seeds, Jatropha curcas oil is not edible and it is traditionally used for medicinal applications and for the manufacture of soap, insecticides and lubricants.

The processing that occurs in different equipment such as: reactor, filtration, centrifuge and adsorption tank.

The main factors that affect transesterification are:
- Molar ratio of glycerides to alcohol
- catalysts and reaction temperature

The Biodiesel is used to cars with motor diesel. Actually, Law indicates biodiesel mixed with diesel at 5% in Perú.

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  • ABOUT THE ENTRANT

  • Name:
    Magali Camila Vivas Cuellar
  • Type of entry:
    team
    Team members:
    Emerson Alcides Collado-Dominguez
  • Profession:
    Engineer/Designer
  • Number of times previously entering contest:
    never
  • Magali Camila's hobbies and activities:
    read novels, listen music and write ideas
  • Magali Camila is inspired by:
    design one alternative for green fuel in my country
  • Patent status:
    none