Decarbonisation Technology - February 2025 Issue

Solutions for heat tracing in renewable diesel production The production and processing of renewable diesel require careful heat management throughout different steps of the refining process

Mike Allenspach, Jeff Fabry and Pele Myers nVent

Introduction With global decarbonisation strategies and sustainability requirements, renewable diesel has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional fossil fuels. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts a 30% increase in renewable diesel production in 2024 and 2025 ( US EIA, 2024 ). Renewable diesel, derived from biological materials, offers significant environmental benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and decreased reliance on non-renewable resources. However, its production and processing present unique challenges, especially in process heat tracing. This article delves into these complexities and presents innovative solutions to address them. Renewable diesel, also known as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), is a biofuel produced from renewable resources like vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste cooking oils. Unlike biodiesel, which is made through transesterification, renewable diesel is produced through hydrotreating. This process removes oxygen and creates a fuel that is chemically similar to petroleum diesel. Benefits of renewable diesel The advantages of renewable diesel are manifold. It offers a drop-in replacement for conventional diesel, meaning it can be used in existing diesel engines without any modifications. Renewable diesel also boasts Comprehending renewable diesel What is renewable diesel?

superior performance characteristics, such as higher cetane numbers and better cold-flow properties. Additionally, it significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and particulate matter, contributing to improved air quality and public health. In industrial processes, maintaining the proper temperature of fluids is crucial to ensure efficient operation and product quality. Heat tracing is the process of applying heat to pipes, vessels, and other equipment to maintain or raise their temperature. This is especially important in cold climates or processes involving high-viscosity fluids, where the risk of solidification or freezing is high. Role of process heat tracing Importance of heat tracing Challenges in renewable diesel feedstocks Renewable diesel feedstocks, such as vegetable oils and animal fats, present unique challenges for heat tracing. These feedstocks have higher viscosity and lower pour points than comparable petroleum-based feedstocks, making them more prone to solidification at lower temperatures. Secondly, the presence of impurities and variability in feedstock composition can further complicate the heat tracing process. Finally, as with petroleum-based feedstocks, plant oil and animal waste feedstocks for renewable diesel may arrive at the refinery via rail, ship, truck, or pipeline. To ensure flow, these feedstocks require a prescribed temperature maintenance from unloading and distribution areas to storage facilities 100% of the time.