Daramy Vandi Von Kallon

Bio: Daramy Vandi Von Kallon is an academic researcher from University of Johannesburg. The author has contributed to research in topics: Impeller & Centrifugal pump. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 22 publications receiving 56 citations. Previous affiliations of Daramy Vandi Von Kallon include University of Cape Town.

Trends in the development and utilization of agricultural wastes as heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production

Abstract: Biodiesel is unarguably one of the most considered substitutes for fossil-based liquid fuels. However, the high cost of biodiesel production has been a major inhibitor for its large-scale activity. Apart from the cost of feedstock, catalysts contribute to the high pump price of biodiesel. Wastes derived from agricultural sources have been seen as viable means of synthesizing cost-effective and environmentally friendly catalysts and is an appropriate disposal of wastes. In this study recent trends in converting and utilizing agricultural wastes as heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production were reviewed. Agricultural wastes classifications, types of catalysts for biodiesel production, and the effects of conversion and modification techniques on pore size, acidity, surface area, and other fingerprints that enhance the catalytic activity were discussed. The use of characterization methods to test the suitability of solid catalysts was analysed, and some published works on the use of some agricultural wastes-derived catalysts were scrutinized. The paper concludes that catalysts derived from agricultural wastes offer a cheap, readily available, easy to produce, and environmentally benign replacement for the imported commercial ones. Going forward, more target investigations are needed on the suitability of some unexplored agricultural wastes to convert them to green catalysts. Researchers should explore the use of optimization models and statistical tools to determine the appropriate conditions for effective performance of biofuels.

An Overview of the Classification, Production and Utilization of Biofuels for Internal Combustion Engine Applications

Abstract: Biofuel, a cost-effective, safe, and environmentally benign fuel produced from renewable sources, has been accepted as a sustainable replacement and a panacea for the damaging effects of the exploration for and consumption of fossil-based fuels. The current work examines the classification, generation, and utilization of biofuels, particularly in internal combustion engine (ICE) applications. Biofuels are classified according to their physical state, technology maturity, the generation of feedstock, and the generation of products. The methods of production and the advantages of the application of biogas, bioalcohol, and hydrogen in spark ignition engines, as well as biodiesel, Fischer–Tropsch fuel, and dimethyl ether in compression ignition engines, in terms of engine performance and emission are highlighted. The generation of biofuels from waste helps in waste minimization, proper waste disposal, and sanitation. The utilization of biofuels in ICEs improves engine performance and mitigates the emission of poisonous gases. There is a need for appropriate policy frameworks to promote commercial production and seamless deployment of these biofuels for transportation applications with a view to guaranteeing energy security.

Pretreatment techniques for agricultural waste

Abstract: Millions of tons of agricultural waste are generated annually. The disposal and management of these wastes remain a source of legitimate concerns for environmentalists, governments, and other stakeholders. Inappropriate disposal and management of these wastes constitute an environmental eyesore, health hazards, and source of contamination for aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Conversion of agricultural wastes into useful products remains a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable strategy for waste management. This study reviews various pretreatment practices aimed at improving the biodegradability and digestibility of agricultural lignocellulosic biomass. The common pretreatment techniques such as physical, chemical, biological, and physicochemical as well as the novel green solvent-based pretreatment are reviewed and emphasized to improve their practicability and applicability. This review encompasses the processes, benefits, and drawbacks of the various pretreatment techniques to further enrich literature and stimulate renewed investigations in the research space. The outcome of this study will stimulate further investment in agricultural waste conversion and utilization. Waste conversion is a feasible waste management strategy for a clean environment and sustainable ecosystem. Going forward, more targeted investigations are needed to evolve innovative techniques to simplify the conversion of agricultural wastes into valuable products. Governments, across jurisdictions, environmentalists, policymakers, and other stakeholders should sensitize citizens to dislodge the religious and cultural barriers against waste conversion.

Advances in biotechnological applications of waste cooking oil

Abstract: Waste cooking oil (WCO) is generated when edible vegetable oil is used for frying food items. Inappropriate disposal of WCO exacerbates environmental pollution, block drains and contaminates terrestrial and aquatic habitats while its consumption deleteriously impacts human and animal health. In this review, the current efforts into the biotechnological conversion and applications of WCO as feedstock for biofuel, bisabolene, biolubricants, liquid detergents, dishwashing soap and aromatherapy candle, plasticizer, polyurethane foam, surfactants, asphalt rejuvenator are discussed. Aspects related to the global scenario of WCO generation, their physico-chemical properties and avenues of their utilization are also presented. These applications ensure appropriate utilization of WCO as valuable household commodities and industrial products. More investigations are needed for the deployment of WCO for the production of valuable products and to promote circular economy.

Review: Biofuel production from plant and algal biomass

Abstract: Abstract Biofuels are the promising alternative to exhaustible, environmentally unsafe fossil fuels. Algal biomass is attractive raw for biofuel production. Its cultivation does not compete for cropland with agricultural growing of food crop for biofuel and does not require complex treatment methods in comparison with lignocellulose-enriched biomass. Many microalgae are mixotrophs, so they can be used as energy source and as sewage purifier simultaneously. One of the main steps for algal biofuel fabrication is the cultivation of biomass. Photobioreactors and open-air systems are used for this purpose. The formers allow the careful cultivation control, but the latter ones are cheaper and simpler. Biomass conversion processes may be divided to the thermochemical, chemical, biochemical methods and direct combustion. For biodiesel production, triglyceride-enriched biomass undergoes transetherification. For bioalcohol production, biomass is subjected to fermentation. There are three methods of biohydrogen production in the microalgal cells: direct biophotolysis, indirect biophotolysis, fermentation.

Food Texture Design by 3D Printing: A Review

Abstract: An important factor in consumers’ acceptability, beyond visual appearance and taste, is food texture. The elderly and people with dysphagia are more likely to present malnourishment due to visually and texturally unappealing food. Three-dimensional Printing is an additive manufacturing technology that can aid the food industry in developing novel and more complex food products and has the potential to produce tailored foods for specific needs. As a technology that builds food products layer by layer, 3D Printing can present a new methodology to design realistic food textures by the precise placement of texturing elements in the food, printing of multi-material products, and design of complex internal structures. This paper intends to review the existing work on 3D food printing and discuss the recent developments concerning food texture design. Advantages and limitations of 3D Printing in the food industry, the material-based printability and model-based texture, and the future trends in 3D Printing, including numerical simulations, incorporation of cooking technology to the printing, and 4D modifications are discussed. Key challenges for the mainstream adoption of 3D Printing are also elaborated on.