Catalytic Hydrocracking of Jatropha Oil for Bio-jetfuel Production using natural clay

Abstract Biofuels such as biodiesel and bio-jet fuel are‏ important sources of renewable energy, which has to be added to petroleum fuels in different ratios for environmental purposes. Biofuels in general, can be produced from several raw agriculture materials. Currently, the most important biofuel is the bio-jet fuel, used for partial replacement of jet fuel from petroleum origin. The most promising method for bio-jet fuel manufacture is the catalytic hydrocracking of a low-cost raw vegetable oil such as non-edible Jatropha oil. The type of product and its quality and quantity depend on the process conditions such as reaction time, temperature, and catalyst type, form, and amount. Heterogeneous catalysts play an important role in this process. The present study aims to the production of bio-jet fuel by hydrocracking of Jatropha oil conforming to ASTM specifications by the selection and preparation of an economic inorganic catalyst. The 4% catalyst was used in the production of biojet fuel under the obtained optimum operating conditions of 350˚C, 4 bar H 2 , 18 min, and followed by fractionation tower. The products were tested and their specifications conformed to the ASTM specifications, viz the freezing point (-56˚C), the flash point (53˚C), and existent gum content (5.9 mg/100 ml).