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The first step in the biodiesel production process begins with the collection of used cooking oils, which are then filtered and cleaned at the collection unit or at a nearby BIO OIL cleaning facility. During this cleaning stage, basic quality checks are performed to ensure the feedstock meets initial standards.
Once pre-cleaned, the oil is transported to a biodiesel plant nearby. There, it undergoes a more detailed analysis and further preparation, ensuring it is fully ready for the biodiesel conversion process. This systematic approach minimizes transportation needs and ensures the highest efficiency throughout the production chain.
In this stage, the purified used cooking oil is chemically reacted with methanol and a catalyst, typically sodium methylate, in a controlled reactor. This process converts the fatty acids and the triglycerides in the oil into fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), the primary component of biodiesel. The reaction is carefully monitored to ensure optimal conversion and product quality.
As a byproduct, glycerin is also produced, which is collected and repurposed in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Esterification is a vital step in producing biodiesel, balancing efficiency with sustainability by reducing energy consumption throughout the process.
In the last step the FAME molecules are further refined to remove any remaining impurities or unreacted materials. This ensures that the biodiesel meets strict fuel standards, such as EN 14214, making it suitable for use in diesel engines.
After the chemical transformation, the biodiesel undergoes rigorous quality control tests. These tests measure various parameters like viscosity, density, and purity, ensuring the final product meets both regulatory requirements and customer expectations. Only biodiesel that passes this strict evaluation is approved for distribution, guaranteeing high-quality, sustainable fuel for the market.
Co-processing is an innovative and sustainable approach to biodiesel production, where biogenic and fossil-based raw materials are combined in a refining process. In this method, waste-based feedstocks such as used cooking oil are mixed with traditional fossil fuels, typically in a hydrotreating unit. The hydrotreating process involves hydrogen being added to break down and saturate the molecules, which allows the bio-based and fossil components to blend seamlessly.
The advantage of co-processing lies in its ability to reduce CO₂ emissions on a larger scale. By integrating renewable raw materials into existing refinery infrastructures, biodiesel can be produced more efficiently and with lower carbon intensity. The biogenic portion of the feedstock helps displace fossil fuels, thereby contributing to greater sustainability and decreasing dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
In the near future, we will be implementing a feedstock pretreatment infrustructure for co-processing facilities.
