Imagine running your car on coconut oil. Well, if research done by scientists of a Kochi-based institute is anything to go by, then this may soon be reality. A report suggests that researchers at the SCMS Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research and Development and the SCMS School of Engineering and Technology, have successfully converted coconut oil into biofuel. They have now approached the government to commercialise the biofuel.
The study shows that a vehicle can run 22.5 km on one litre of the biofuel. “We purchased a brand new vehicle a year back. By now, it has done 20,000 km and has proved beyond doubt that coconut oil can replace diesel. We can provide this product at ` 40 a litre,” says C Mohankumar, the team head of the research team, adding that they have already applied for a US patent.
“The emission levels are lower than other forms of biodiesel, making it a very eco-friendly product too,” says Mohankumar.
Explaining the process, he says that 760 litres of biofuel can be produced from the oil of 10,000 coconuts. “There are also five other by-products. This includes 5,000 kg of husk, 2,500 kg of coconut shells, 1,250 litres of coconut water, around 1,200 kg of cake (that can be used as cattle feed) and 70 litres of glycerol. Each of these products has a market value and that’s how we are able to commercially supply this biodfuel at ` 40 a litre,” shares Mohankumar.
“We have conducted numerous tests on this coconut biofuel that are for anyone to see,” he adds.
Coconut Development Board (CDB) Chairman TK Jose adds, “I have gone through all their reports on the biofuel. The emission levels are much less than other similar products.”