An Energy Analysis and Characterization of Safou (Dacryodes edulis) as Biofuel Feedstock

Safou (Dacryodes edulis) is a fruit indigenous to West Africa with considerable potential as an oil crop. Safou fruit experiences as much as 40-50% post-harvest losses. The need to recover value lost due to fruit spoilage and Safou’s potential as a biodiesel feedstock has been combined in this work. Oil extracted from the spoiled crop could offset fuel production costs or even produce the fuel to transport the crop to market. In this work, the embodied energy of Safou pulp, seed, press-cake, and the oil generated from pressing pulp was quantified. Energy required for processing was also quantified, and preparing and pressing spoiled pulp were investigated in terms of both oil yield and character of the oil. Both fresh and spoiled pulp oil were investigated in terms of fuel characteristics and found to be similar. Fuel was produced from the pulp oil and compared to conventional petro-diesel and soy biodiesel in terms of emissions when combusted in a 2006 Jetta TDI. According to the findings of this research, Safou has potential as a biofuel feedstock. Although the energy balance assessment conducted did not represent a comprehensive life cycle analysis, the potential energy balance of Safou as biodiesel feedstock was found to be favorable.