Credentials: Orange Peel Turns OIL

2011-09-22T04:05:00.000-07:00

Credentials: Orange Peel Turns OIL: A scientist in UK has built a microwave which he claims can turn orange peel into oil. James Clark at the University of York says the high...

Orange Peel Turns OIL

2011-09-20T02:58:00.000-07:00

A scientist in UK has built a microwave which he claims can turn orange peel into oil. James Clark at the University of York says the highpowered microwave could break down the molecules in fruit peel to release gases that could be collected and distilled into a liquid product. These valuable gases can then used to produce oil, plastics, chemicals and fuels. According to him, the microwave method could also be used on a variety of plant based waste to make fuel or other products. They include straw, cashew nut shells, apple peel, coffee or rice husks, the Daily Express reported.

"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," he said.

Clark built the 200,000 pounds microwave, which looks like one found in any kitchen, at his laboratory in the Green Chemistry Centre at the university.