Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XIX
Written by Radiana TAMBA-BEREHOIU, Ştefana JURCOANE, Nicolae-Ciprian POPA
Global aviation industry is facing some significant challenges on reducing emissions of persistent greenhouse gases and on reducing 33% of total operating costs, represented by oscillating price of fuels. Thus, identifying new sources of biofuels is essential for the future of the industry. One promising research direction is provided by biofuels coming through processing oil, extracted from the seeds of Camelina sativa plant. Camelina sativa presents a lot of interest because of ecological plasticity, low-growing needs (low inputs, minimal nutrients) and the fact that it does not interfere with food resources of the population. The technology of obtaining biokerosen out of Camelina oil is partially similar to that of obtaining biodiesel. Camelina oil is initially subjected to a hydrodeoxigenation operation. Linear alkanes obtained are isomerized and are catalytic selective cracked, in order to obtain branched alkanes. These are more stable in aviation navigation areas, having lower boiling point than diesel biofuel. The last step is the catalytic closure of aromatic rings derived from existing paraffins. It can be avoided the expensive last step, by mixing the branched alkanes with conventional kerosene oil (which contains 25% aromatic hydrocarbons, in particular alkylbenzenes and alkylnaphthalenes). Also, by-products appear, such as natural pesticides, additives in the plastics industry, nutraceutical, forages etc. (alkanolamides, fatty alcohols, isopropyl esters, glycerol etc.). Advantages of using kerosene obtained from Camelina sativa oil are: the significantly low level of greenhouse gases coming from burning, compared with burning of fossil fuels, large base of unpretentious crops of Camelina sativa and highly pure biofuels, similar to fossil fuels. Disadvantages of using kerosene obtained from Camelina sativa oil are: high costs of technological equipment, low oil yields relative to plant production/hectare, large amount of hydrogen required, produced by high consumption of fossil energy and also, competition for the same resources as in the production of biodiesel .
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