Emulsion breaker test series
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Kurita EB series
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#4
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#5
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#1
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Blank
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Figure 5 Laboratory emulsion breaker study for product and dosage determination
Biodiesel is mainly used in the transportation sector, mixed with petroleum diesel to fuel a variety of vehicles. Common blends, such as B5, B10, and B20, are widely used, with some fleets opting for B100. While not directly employed in aviation, biodiesel plays a role in the creation of SAF through hydroprocessing techniques. Beyond transportation, biodiesel finds applications in residential and commercial heating. transesterification of fats and oils. This process (see Figure 4 ) uses a catalyst and transforms triglycerides from biological feedstocks into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), which can be used as a substitute for conventional diesel. The manufacturing process consists of several key steps, each essential for producing high-quality biodiesel: • Feedstock selection and pre-processing : Selection of available feedstock with appropriate pretreatment to remove impurities and degumming or neutralising may be employed to stabilise the feedstock. Production process Biodiesel is produced through the • Transesterification : Feedstock is converted into biodiesel and glycerol in the presence of catalyst and alcohol. Triglyceride + Methanol Glycerol + Biodiesel • Separation : Biodiesel and glycerol are separated based on density difference. Glycerol is sent for purification or sale. • Purification : The biodiesel must be washed
and dried to remove any residuals (alcohol, glycerin and catalyst) to attain highest quality. • Quality testing : Quality testing (ASTM D6751 or EN 14214) ensures its suitability for usage in diesel engines. Operational challenges Biodiesel production via transesterification presents several operational hurdles, primarily due to the variability of feedstocks. Each feedstock type introduces unique issues that must be addressed to ensure process efficiency and product quality. Here is a breakdown of the key issues and potential remedies: Emulsification : Mixed oils containing used cooking oil (UCO) often introduce free fatty acids, leading to emulsion formation and complicating FAME residue separation. In contrast, pure vegetable oils such as sunflower or rapeseed typically result in fewer emulsion-related issues. Chemical emulsion breakers are used to enhance phase separation and product recovery. Emulsion breaker performance depends on multiple factors, and conducting a laboratory study is essential to identify the optimal chemistry and dosage for each specific application. Figure 5 summarises a lab study performed by Kurita for a biodiesel plant, which successfully implemented its demulsifier solution. Various emulsion breakers were tested for selection of the best-performing additive. Appearance, separated water volume, quality
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