Sunflower biodiesel production and application in family farms in Brazil

There are limited options available for compact small-scale biodiesel production equipment that produces biodiesel of similar quality as that obtained from an industrial-scale production system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate equipment optimization for producing 40–200 L/day of biodiesel. The equipment was used to produce biodiesel for personal consumption. The produced biodiesel was tested in three microtractors, the principal agricultural machines used in family farms in the Vale do Rio Pardo region of Southern Brazil. Our results demonstrated that the equipment produced biodiesel of sufficient quality according to the limits established by the Brazilian Petroleum National Agency (ANP). In conclusion, this biodiesel can be used in microtractors with little wear on engine parts.