Design of a Jathropha Oil Expelling Machine

Biodiesel is a fuel type that has already been proven suitable for use in diesel engines. The non-edible vegetable oil of Jatropha curcas, which grows in tropical and subtropical climates across the developing world, promises a commercially viable alternative to diesel. Jatropha oil is renewable, environmental friendly and can be easily produced in rural areas. This paper presents the design of an efficient Jatropha oil expelling machine carried out
at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. The design of this Jatropha oil expelling machine will enhance the production of biodiesel from Jatropha seeds. The designs of the crushing system and pre-heating systems before pressing will enable the machine operate at efficiency greater than 90%. This machine is easy to maintain and economic for commercial uses. The Jatropha oil expelling machine has been designed to a capacity of 1000 kg/hr and can expel oil at the rate of 2.2 m3/hr. The machine is powered using electric motor of 40kW to be
operated for 8 working hours. This machine is an improvement over existing machine and presupposes appropriate technology for manufacture, operation and maintenance.