1

Biodiesel Plant Development Seminar, What You Need to Know:

Technology Processes and Provider Overview

Presented by:

Steve HowellAugust 25, 2005

The Transesterification Reaction

Basic Catalyst

Transesterification Material Balanceslide courtesy of Superior Process Technologies

Oil Feedstock

100 lbCatalyst

0.5 to 1.5 lb

Methanol

10 lb + excess

Acid

Water

1 to 100 lbGlycerine Esters

FFA

0 to 1 lb

Reaction and Separation

WashingAcidulationWaste Water

0 to 100 lb

Excess Methanol

50 to >99%Methanol Removal Methanol Removal

Crude Glycerine

10 lb (pure basis)

Biodiesel

95 to 100 lb

Esterification of Free Fatty Acid

Alcohol Acid Catalyst

Ester Water

2

Biodiesel ProductionSlide Courtesy of Superior Process Technologies

Transesterification

Esterification

Pretreatment

Biodiesel Washing

Biodiesel Stripping

ASTM QualityBiodiesel

Gums / Waxes / Insolubles

Glycerine Neutralization

Glycerine Stripping

Glycerine Distillation

USP GradeGlycerine

Acid Catalyst

Base Catalyst

Water

Oil, Fat or Grease Feedstock

Methanol

Methanol and WaterDistillation

Biodiesel Technology Providers

• There are a growing number of competent providers of biodiesel plant technology

• Significant experience with ‘clean’ oils and fats• Growing experience with less valued ‘dirty’ feeds• Many options available

– Turn key, custom design– Skid mounted– Other services and assistance

Biodiesel Technology Providersresource information for those discussed

• Lurgi PSI– http://www.lurgi.de/english/nbsp/index.html

• Superior Process Technologies– http://www.superiorprocesstech.com/

• Biodiesel Industries– http://www.biodieselindustries.com

• Cimbria Sket – Bratney– http://www.bratney.com

• Crown Iron Works– http://www.crowniron.com/

• Renewable Energy Group– http://www.renewable-energy-group.com/

Educational Resources• BEN: Biodiesel

Education Network• Web-based resource

specifically for petroleum marketers

• Partnership between NBB/PMAA

• www.pmaa.org• www.biodiesel.org

3

NBB Resources•www.biodiesel.org

•Technical Library

•Biodiesel Bulletin

•Educational Videos Available

•Informational Resources

•Technical Resources

•On-line Database & Spec Sheets

Other web sites:•www.nationalbiodieseleducation.org

•www.nationalcleancities.org

Other Biodiesel Resources• www.bbibiofuels.com

• Biodiesel Magazine– A ‘MUST HAVE’ magazine

• Biodiesel Industry Directory On-Line

IBFGPO Box 820Kearney, Missouri 64060Phone: 816-635-5737Email: info@ibfg.com