Abstract: The invention discloses an improvement over the existing process of producing solar salt of high purity from seawater and minimizes the need for downstream purification. More particularly, the invention teaches the practical utility of recrystallization of salt in solar salt pans using seawater itself as the dissolving medium. The resultant recrystallized salt is obtained with a yield up to 80% and with much reduced levels of impurities. Special mention is made of the bromide level which is reduced 7-10 fold. The invention is most ideal for trace impurities which reside in the salt crystal lattice and are difficult to dislodge by conventional methods adopted for salt purification and where conventional recrystallization would be cost ineffective and scalability would pose a problem. The invention can be practiced by solar salt works based on seawater and where spare land is available to set up additional crystallizers required for the purpose of recrystallization.

Abstract: The invention discloses an improvement over the existing process of producing solar salt of high purity from seawater and minimizes the need for downstream purification. More particularly, the invention teaches the practical utility of recrystallization of salt in solar salt pans using seawater itself as the dissolving medium. The resultant recrystallized salt is obtained with a yield up to 80% and with much reduced levels of impurities. Special mention is made of the bromide level which is reduced 7-10 fold. The invention is most ideal for trace impurities which reside in the salt crystal lattice and are difficult to dislodge by conventional methods adopted for salt purification and where conventional recrystallization would be cost ineffective and scalability would pose a problem. The invention can be practiced by solar salt works based on seawater and where spare land is available to set up additional crystallizers required for the purpose of recrystallization.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simpler and more energy efficient process for the preparation of fatty acid methyl ester (biodiesel) from sun dried whole seed capsules of Jatropha curcas integrated with value addition of seed shells, deoiled cake and crude glycerol co-product stream. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of dispensing with the need for excess methanol recovery through distillation, cost-effective resin treatment for the refining of methyl ester and utilization of co-streams for preparation of high density energy briquettes and Polyhydroxyalkanoate biodegradable polymer in efficient and cost-effective manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simpler and more energy efficient process for the preparation of fatty acid methyl ester (biodiesel) from sun dried whole seed capsules of Jatropha curcas integrated with value addition of seed shells, deoiled cake and crude glycerol co-product stream. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of dispensing with the need for excess methanol recovery through distillation, cost-effective resin treatment for the refining of methyl ester and utilization of co-streams for preparation of high density energy briquettes and Polyhydroxyalkanoate biodegradable polymer in efficient and cost-effective manner.