Biodiesel Distillation: Achieve Ultra‑Low Sulfur and Winter‑Grade Biodiesel with Confidence

Introduction — Why Distillation Matters for Biodiesel Quality

Biodiesel quality determines whether you meet legislation and perform reliably in real-world conditions—especially at low ambient temperatures. Biodiesel distillation is a proven way to simultaneously achieve low monoglycerides, improved Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) performance (winter-grade biodiesel), and lower sulfur content. The result is a clear, stable, near‑colorless FAME that builds market confidence and reduces downstream handling risks.

“Have peace of mind in your biodiesel quality and conform with the legislation.”

What Distillation Achieves

Winter‑Grade Biodiesel for Cold Conditions

Distillation removes the fractions that precipitate at low temperatures, producing winter‑grade biodiesel suitable for colder climates and seasonal demand.

Ultra‑Low Sulfur (with Adsorption Polishing)

Distillation reduces sulfur for acid‑esterified biodiesel and pyrolysis biofuel. With Sulzer’s distillation combined with adsorption (an add‑on polishing step), the final biodiesel can be guaranteed at <10 ppm sulfur.

Very Low Monoglycerides

Monoglyceride content is minimized, improving cold flow behavior and storage stability.

Better Color and Clarity

Distilled biodiesel improves from yellow to near colorless, raising product perception and marketability.

Typical Performance Parameters (Distilled Biodiesel)

• Monoglycerides: ≤ 0.2 wt%

• Free Fatty Acids (FFA): ≤ 0.25 wt%

• Moisture: <100 ppm

• CSFT: ≤ 300 s

• Sulfur: <15 ppm (typical with distillation)

• Sulfur with adsorption add‑on: Guaranteed <10 ppm

  
  

H2: Scope of Processes We Cover (End‑to‑End)

• Methanol Recovery from biodiesel and from glycerin

• Glycerin Drying and Glycerin‑Fatty Matter Separation

• Biodiesel Drying, Biodiesel‑Glycerin Separation, Biodiesel Washing

• Biodiesel‑Water Separation

• Glycerin Refining (to USP grade glycerin)

• Biodiesel Distillation and Biodiesel/FAME Fractionation

• Methanol‑Water‑Biodiesel Separation (acid esterification)

• Fatty Acids Removal (acid‑esterified biodiesel)

• Glycerin to Propylene Glycol valorization

  
  

Why Sulzer — Our Offering and Delivery

• Highest methanol recovery rate and highest purity recovered methanol

• Best static separation equipment with the lowest investment

• No rotating separation equipment required → lower maintenance and higher uptime

• Most efficient recovery and separation process

• Guaranteed performance and a long reference list

• Testing facilities available to de‑risk decisions

• Full ISBL, skid supply, or customizable scope of supply & services

• High FAME yield boosted further with post‑distillation candle evaporator

• Typical processing cost: USD 25–30/ton of distilled biodiesel

• Reference plant in operation

  
  

FAQ — Biodiesel Distillation

Q1: What is winter‑grade biodiesel and how is it achieved?

A: It’s biodiesel tailored for low ambient temperatures. Distillation removes fractions that precipitate at cold temperatures, improving cold flow behavior.

Q2: Can you guarantee ultra‑low sulfur levels?

A: Yes. Distillation plus adsorption polishing provides guaranteed <10 ppm sulfur. Distillation alone typically achieves <15 ppm.

Q3: What typical quality specs can we expect?

A: Monoglycerides ≤0.2 wt%, FFA ≤0.25 wt%, moisture <100 ppm, CSFT ≤300 s, sulfur <15 ppm (or <10 ppm with adsorption).

Q4: What’s the processing cost?

A: USD 25–30/ton for distilled biodiesel; with adsorption add‑on, USD 28–33/ton treated distilled biodiesel.

Q5: Do you have references and testing?

A: Yes—reference plant in operation and testing facilities available to validate your specific feed and targets.

Q6: Do you support acid‑esterified biodiesel and pyrolysis biofuel?

A: Yes. The process is applicable and helps reduce or remove sulfur in these challenging feeds.

Ready to deliver winter‑grade, ultra‑low sulfur biodiesel? Talk to our engineers about your feed, targets, and timeline.