Feasibility study of utilization of degummed soybean oil as a substitute for diesel fuel. Final report

Technical Report · Sun Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:7097728

The purpose of this project was to determine the economic and technological feasibility of producing a diesel oil substitute or extender from soybean oil. Existing technology was reviewed, to determine the minimum modification necessary for production of an acceptable fuel product. Current methods of oil extraction and refining were considered, as well as the products of those processes. The information developed indicated that the degummed soybean oil produced by existing processing plants is theoretically suitable for use as a diesel fuel extender. No modification of process design or equipment is required. This situation is very favorable to early commercialization of degummed soybean oil as a diesel fuel extender during the 1980's. Moreover, a large energy gain is realized when the soybean oil is utilized as fuel. Its heat of combustion is reported as 16,920 Btu per pound, or 130,000 Btu per gallon. Production of soybean oil consumes between 3000 and 5000 Btu per pound or 23,000 and 39,000 Btu per gallon. A resource availability study disclosed that the southeastern region of the United States produces approximately 260 million bushels of soybeans per year. In the same general area, fourteen extraction plants are operating, with a combined annual capacity of approximately 200 million bushels. Thus, regional production is sufficient to support the extraction capacity. Using an average figure of 1.5 gallons of oil per bushel of soybeans gives annual regional oil production of approximately 300 million gallons.

• Research Organization: Gold Kist, Inc., Decatur, AL (USA). Decatur Soy Div.
• DOE Contract Number: FG07-80RA50297
• OSTI ID: 7097728
• Report Number(s): DOE/RA/50297-T1; ON: DE82020534
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320301* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Energy Sources
AVAILABILITY
DIESEL ENGINES
DIESEL FUELS
ENGINES
ESTERS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FUEL SUBSTITUTION
HEAT ENGINES
IMPLEMENTATION
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
LIPIDS
OILS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PLANNING
SOYBEAN OIL
TRIGLYCERIDES