Author(s)

Xianhui Zhao, Lin Wei^*, James Julson, Yinbin Huang

Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, South Dakota State University, Brookings, USA.

Bio-jet fuel produced from non-edible oilseeds can be an alternative to fossil fuels with the benefits of increasing national energy security, reducing environmental impact, and fostering rural economic growth. Efficient oil extraction from oilseeds is critical for economic production of bio-jet fuels. Oil extractions from camelina (sativa) and canola (Brassica napus) seeds were conducted using a cold press method. The effect of the frequency controlling the screw rotation speed on the oil recovery and quality was discussed. Characterization of the produced raw vegetable oils, such as heating value, elemental content and main chemical compositions, was carried out. The results showed that the oil recovery increased when the frequency decreased. The highest oil recoveries for camelina and canola seeds were 88.2% and 84.1% respectively, both at 15 Hz. The cold press frequency and processing temperature (97.2°C - 106.0°C) had a minor influence on the qualities and recovery of both camelina and canola oils. In addition, camelina and canola oils produced at 15 Hz underwent catalytic cracking to examine potential hydrocarbon fuels production. It was observed that some of oil physicochemical properties were improved after catalytic cracking. Although more study is needed for further improvement of oil recovery and qualities, cold press could be an efficient method for oil extraction from non-edible oilseeds. Additionally, the preliminary results of upgrading the oils produced show very promising for future bio-jet fuels production.

Camelina, Canola, Cold Press, Oil Recovery, Upgrading

Zhao, X. , Wei, L. , Julson, J. and Huang, Y. (2014) Investigated Cold Press Oil Extraction from Non-Edible Oilseeds for Future Bio-Jet Fuels Production. Journal of Sustainable Bioenergy Systems, 4, 199-214. doi: 10.4236/jsbs.2014.44019.