An approach to the use of Jatropha curcas by-products as energy source in agroindustry

• Published in: Energy sources. Part A, Recovery, utilization, and environmental effects Vol. ahead-of-print; no. ahead-of-print; pp. 1 - 21
• Main Authors: Piloto-Rodríguez, Ramón, Tobío, Indira, Ortiz-Alvarez, Marianela, Díaz, Yosvany, Konradi, Simon, Pohl, Sven
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 08.04.2020
• Subjects: biomass; by-products; gasification; Jatropha curcas; pyrolysis
• ISSN: 1556-7036; 1556-7230
• DOI: 10.1080/15567036.2020.1749192

Jatropha curcas produces several useful by-products. Nevertheless, the application of by-products in gasification and pyrolysis is not well studied. A comprehensive review of the state of arts of the use of Jatropha by-products in thermochemical processes focused on the technical characteristics of by-products and their use for self-energy requirements in agroindustry is in this paper developed. The survey is focused on husk, cake, and shell. The proximate, ultimate analysis, chemical composition, ash composition, and technologies used for thermal processes are analyzed. A disparity in the number of publications on gasification and pyrolysis is observed. The main application in gasification is for Jatropha husk as feed. A simulation of the gasification process for Jatropha husk is also in this paper shown, including the composition of the producer gas. Concerning pyrolysis, the reports are focused on the use of seed oil cake. By gasification of by-products up to 10% H 2 and 20% CO can be reached and 64% with up to 42 MJ/kg for bio-oil production. Most of the contributions are focused on bio-oil obtaining, due to the technical advantages it brings. Half of the studies were developed in low scale lab pyrolyzers. As is demonstrated, JC by-products contribute to a fully sustainable technology, not only about energy production but also in the production of heterogeneous catalyzers, sustainability, precursor of activated carbons and chemicals. Increase of bio-oil yields and its use in diesel engines are current research subjects. In this respect, bio-oil purification, chemical conversion, and optimal use in engines should be addressed.