BIOFUEL PRODUCTION FROM JOJOBA OIL

Abstract

Biofuels such as biodiesel and biojet fuel are important sources of renewable energy, which will replace petroleum fuels in the near future. Biofuels in general, can be produced from several raw agriculture materials. Currently, the most important biofuel is biojet fuel, as a partial replacement of jet fuel of petroleum origin will be mandatory for all over the world flights. The most promising methods for biojet fuel manufacture are transesterification and catalytic hydrocracking of a low cost raw vegetable oil such as non-edible Jojoba, Jatropha, Caster and Waste Cooking Oils. The type of product and its quality depend on the process conditions such as reaction time, temperature and the catalyst type, form, and amount. Catalyst choice plays an important role in this process. The present thesis aims to produce biofuel from Jojoba oil by transesterification and catalytic hydrocracking in combination with the use of the alcohol part present in the Jojoba oil.