Biogas Production from Non-edible Oilseed Cake

Vegetable oil and its derivative ‘biodiesel’ is well accepted as a renewable energy. However the cost of vegetable oil is the major problem in utilizing this valuable resource as an alternative fuel. Utilization of byproducts for energy generation and other applications will certainly influence the cost of vegetable oil. In present study the oilcake of vegetable oil species used for biodiesel preparation, is examined for biogas production. The study proved that substantial quantity of biogas can be derived from the oilcake during anaerobic digestion process. Average biogas yield to the tune of 45–47 liters/kg of oilcake is observed during the trial under uncontrolled condition, where as maximum biogas yield more than 50 liters was achieved per kg of oilcake fed in the digester. It is also verified that the gas yield from the digester is a function of climate. The gas generated is clean and smokeless and can be effectively used for different energy application. The sludge and the oilcake can also be used as nitrogen rich organic bio-fertilizer.