Use of Kosteletzkya for production of seaside biodiesel fuel

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of a halophyte, such as Kosteletzkya virginica , in producing oil for conversion to biodiesel fuel. The present invention is alternatively directed to the use of salinized land or irrigation of non-saline land with saltwater for production of biodiesel fuel, without using valuable freshwater resources.

1 . A method for producing biodiesel fuel from a halophyte plant, the method comprising the steps of obtaining oil from said halophyte plant and converting said oil to biodiesel fuel.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said halophyte plant comprises a  Kosteletzkya virginica  plant.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said oil is obtained from a seed of said halophyte plant.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the oil of said halophyte plant is converted to biodiesel fuel by a process comprising the step of transesterification.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the oil of said halophyte plant is converted to biodiesel fuel by a process further comprising the steps of saponification and pyrolysis.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the oil of the halophyte plant is reacted with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst capable of converting said oil and alcohol to glycerin and methyl esters of fatty acids.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the oil of the halophyte plant is reacted with sodium hydroxide, and is thereafter subjected to a pyrolysis step.  
     
     
         8 . A biodiesel fuel produced by conversion of oil obtained from a halpophyte plant.  
     
     
         9 . The biodiesel fuel of  claim 8  wherein said halophyte plant comprises a  Kosteletzkya virginica  plant.  
     
     
         10 . The biodiesel fuel of  claim 8  wherein said oil is obtained from a seed of said halophyte plant.  
     
     
         11 . The biodiesel fuel of  claim 8  wherein the oil of said halophyte plant is converted to biodiesel fuel by a process comprising the step of transesterification.  
     
     
         12 . The biodiesel fuel of  claim 11  wherein the oil of said halophyte plant is converted to biodiesel fuel by a process further comprising the steps of saponification and pyrolysis.  
     
     
         13 . The biodiesel fuel of  claim 8  wherein the oil of the halophyte plant is reacted with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst capable of converting said oil and alcohol to glycerin and methyl esters of fatty acids.  
     
     
         14 . The biodiesel fuel of  claim 8  wherein the oil of the halophyte plant is reacted with sodium hydroxide, and is thereafter subjected to a pyrolysis step.  
     
     
         15 . A method for producing biodiesel fuel from oil obtained from a plant grown on a salinized piece of land.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said plant comprises a halophyte plant.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein said halophyte plant comprises a  Kosteletzkya virginica  plant.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said plant is capable of growing in saline soils and is further capable of feeding from saltwater.