We know that diesels can burn chip fat instead of the usual fuel of the devil, and that some people have even managed to squeeze fuel from the humble apple, but what about the sunny fruit, can you get energy to run a car from oranges?
According to a post from the Daily Express, the peel of the orange itself could be the new fuel we are looking for. One British scientist has found a way to turn the humble peel into fuel that could power our cars with a hint of citric smell.
Professor James Clark discovered that high-powered microwaves could break down the molecules in peel to release gases that could be collected and distilled into a liquid product. Sounds a bit impractical for mass production, but at least it’s a step in the right direction.
In addition, the process could very well be used on other waste products we produce every day, like straw, cashew nut shells, apple peel, coffee or rice husks. The only problem we see here is that these can already be used for cosmetics and in other industries.
“Waste orange peel is an excellent example of a wasted resource. In Brazil, the world’s largest producer of orange juice, half the orange fruit is left as waste once the juice has been recovered. This corresponds to eight million tons a year of orange peel that can be used to produce chemicals, materials and fuels,” says the professor.
Looks like house-makers will now have a choice whether to use the peels to make pies or to fuel the family car.
Professor James Clark discovered that high-powered microwaves could break down the molecules in peel to release gases that could be collected and distilled into a liquid product. Sounds a bit impractical for mass production, but at least it’s a step in the right direction.
In addition, the process could very well be used on other waste products we produce every day, like straw, cashew nut shells, apple peel, coffee or rice husks. The only problem we see here is that these can already be used for cosmetics and in other industries.
“Waste orange peel is an excellent example of a wasted resource. In Brazil, the world’s largest producer of orange juice, half the orange fruit is left as waste once the juice has been recovered. This corresponds to eight million tons a year of orange peel that can be used to produce chemicals, materials and fuels,” says the professor.
Looks like house-makers will now have a choice whether to use the peels to make pies or to fuel the family car.
Google News