Examining the use of Simarouba glauca Seed Oil as a Feedstock for the Production of Biodiesel using a Small Scale Model Developed in India

Authors

Andrew Aaron Jungman, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Environmental Studies

First Advisor's Name

Mahadev Bhat

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Co-Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Krishnaswamy Jayachandran

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Co-Chair

Third Advisor's Name

Eric von Wettberg

Keywords

biodiesel, Simarouba glauca, paradise tree, small scale production model, seed oil, transesterification, biofuel

Date of Defense

11-6-2012

Abstract

Simarouba glauca, a non-edible oilseed crop native to South Florida, is gaining popularity as a feedstock for the production of biodiesel. The University of Agriculture Sciences in Bangalore, India has developed a biodiesel production model based on the principles of decentralization, small scales, and multiple fuel sources. Success of such a program depends on conversion efficiencies at multiple stages. The conversion efficiency of the field-level, decentralized production model was compared with the in-laboratory conversion efficiency benchmark. The study indicated that the field-level model conversion efficiency was less than that of the lab-scale set up. The fuel qualities and characteristics of the Simarouba glauca biodiesel were tested and found to be the standards required for fuel designation. However, this research suggests that for Simarouba glauca to be widely accepted as a biodiesel feedstock further investigation is still required.

Identifier

FI12120506

Recommended Citation

Jungman, Andrew Aaron, "Examining the use of Simarouba glauca Seed Oil as a Feedstock for the Production of Biodiesel using a Small Scale Model Developed in India" (2012). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 780.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/780