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Pongamia oil

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– Cultivation:
– Millettia pinnata is native to South and Southeast Asia.
– Known by various names, it is grown worldwide.
– Yields pods starting from the fifth year, peaking around the tenth year.
– Seeds weigh between 1.1 to 1.8 grams each.
– Average yield per tree ranges from 10 to 50 kilograms.

– Extraction:
Pongamia oil is extracted from seeds using different methods.
– The oil is yellowish-orange to brown in color.
– Contains triglycerides and bitter flavonoid constituents.
– Research is ongoing for mechanical harvesting.
– Oil composition varies based on plant variety, soil, and climate.

– Traditional Uses:
– Historically used in lamp oil, tanning, soap making, and lubrication.
– Not suitable for cooking due to toxicity and taste.
– Utilized in traditional medicine for skin and liver diseases.
– Acts as a fish poison due to toxic metabolites.
– Color, taste, and odor limit its culinary applications.

– Biodiesel Conversion:
– Extensive studies on converting pongamia oil to biodiesel.
– Physical properties of methyl esters meet standards.
– Mixing with palm oil improves viscosity and stability.
– Some country-specific standards may pose challenges.
– Research shows potential for improved fuel properties.

– References:
– Factsheets and research articles provide in-depth information.
– Studies on biodiesel production and properties.
– Exploration of alternative feedstocks for biodiesel.
– Consideration of environmental and agricultural impacts.
– Comparison with other biofuels and energy policies.

Pongamia oil (Wikipedia)

Pongamia oil is derived from the seeds of the Millettia pinnata tree, which is native to tropical and temperate Asia. Millettia pinnata, also known as Pongamia pinnata or Pongamia glabra, is common throughout Asia and thus has many different names in different languages, many of which have come to be used in English to describe the seed oil derived from M. pinnata; Pongamia is often used as the generic name for the tree and is derived from the genus the tree was originally placed in. Other names for this oil include honge oil, kanuga oil, karanja oil, and pungai oil.

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