Production of both esters and biogas from Mexican poppy

Abstract

This paper details a dynamic evaluation of a procedure for extracting both, ester and biogas from seeds and waste of Mexican poppy (Argemone mexicana) using simple and inexpensive technique. Results showed that A. mexicana seed contains 30% oil. Through the process of transestrification, oil extracted from seed, has been converted to its ester. Methanol gives good separation of ester with A. mexicana compared to ethanol and A. mexicana methyl ester showed closer physical property to diesel. Calorific value of seed waste was 4621 Kcal/Kg and C/N ratio was 11. The experiment for biogas production was accomplished in two conditions viz sunlight (22- 30°C) and at room temperature (16-20°C) for 33 days. Sunlight increase ten times biogas production compared to room temperature. Biogas produced through anaerobic digestion of seed waste contained 52% methane. This process is suitable for smallscale industries and agricultural farms.

Key words: Transestrification, energy conservation, anaerobic digestion, methane, biogas, methyl ester.