Decarbonisation Technology May 2026 Issue

of phase separation, and treat rates were parameters for selecting a suitable emulsion breaker. Polymerisation : While not common, polymerisation can occur when processing contaminated or oxidised feedstocks. Factors such as free radicals, unsaturated fatty acids, and elevated temperatures can catalyse this undesirable reaction, leading to gumming and fouling of the system. The use of antioxidants is vital for stabilising biodiesel and preventing degradation during storage. Kurita provides specialised, tailored chemical solutions for production facilities to tackle these operational challenges and enhance overall performance/productivity. Co-processing biofeeds in crude oil refineries While the global energy landscape is witnessing a strong push toward renewable fuels, fossil fuels continue to dominate fuel production due to infrastructure maturity and rising energy demand. In response, governments are increasingly implementing carbon taxes and mandating refiners to adopt low-carbon technologies to meet climate targets. Biofeed co-processing has emerged as a strategic and pragmatic approach for refiners aiming to reduce carbon intensity while leveraging existing assets. Instead of investing in standalone renewable fuel production units, many refineries are integrating biofeeds into conventional processing units, such as hydrotreaters, hydrocrackers, FCC units, and cokers. This allows them to utilise underutilised capacity without major capital expenditure, although minor modifications and catalyst adjustments are often required. Currently, most refineries co-process biofeeds at rates of 2-5%, with future targets exceeding 20% as operational experience and technology maturity improve. Co-processing offers flexibility in feedstock selection, accommodating a wide range of renewable inputs, such as UCO, animal fats, vegetable oils, and tall oil. Research and pilot trials are actively exploring lower-cost and more sustainable biofeedstocks, including lignocellulosic biomass, algae, and waste oils, which could further enhance profitability and carbon reduction potential. Despite its promise, biofeed co-processing

introduces several technical and operational challenges. These include increased hydrogen demand for deoxygenation, potential corrosion and fouling due to feedstock impurities, variability in biofeed quality, and the need to meet stringent fuel specifications. Addressing these issues requires careful feedstock pretreatment, catalyst optimisation, and robust process control strategies. In summary, biofeed co-processing represents a viable pathway for refineries to transition toward low-carbon operations. With continued innovation, regulatory support, and operational “ Currently, most refineries co-process biofeeds at rates of 2-5%, with future targets exceeding 20% as operational experience and technology maturity improve ” refinement, it can play a key role in meeting renewable fuel mandates and advancing global decarbonisation goals. Conclusion Biofuels are becoming increasingly important as they are more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels and produce fewer greenhouse gases. In the evolving biofuels sector, bioethanol and biodiesel are expected to maintain dominance in overall production volumes. Nevertheless, the most substantial growth is expected in renewable diesel and SAF, driven by increasingly stringent regulations in the aviation and marine sectors. By effectively addressing operational challenges with the right chemical solutions, refiners are able to meet decarbonisation targets while unlocking substantial economic benefits.

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Dr. Duygu Disci duygu.disci@kurita-water.com Berthold Otzisk berthold.otzisk@kurita-water.com Mohamed Hudhaifa mohamed.hudhaifa@kurita-water.com