An integrated process is described for producing biodiesel from oleaginous
seeds, preferably castor bean seeds. The inventive process includes a
transesterification reaction where the seeds themselves react with
anhydrous ethyl alcohol in the presence of an alkaline catalyst. The
resulting ethyl esters are then separated by decantation and neutralized
and used as fuel for diesel engines, co-solvents for diesel and gasoline
mixtures with anhydrous or hydrated ethyl alcohol. The solid fractions
may be used as fertilizers, for feeding cattle and as a raw material for
producing ethyl alcohol.