From Acid‑Esterified Biodiesel to Pyrolysis Biofuel: Distillation That Meets Ultra‑Low Sulfur Targets

Introduction — One Train for Many Feeds

Biodiesel producers increasingly work with acid‑esterified biodiesel and pyrolysis biofuels—both can carry sulfur and cold‑flow issues that complicate compliance. Sulzer’s distillation addresses cold‑flow and purity; when paired with adsorption, it reliably delivers <10 ppm sulfur.

What Makes These Feeds Challenging?

Acid‑Esterified Biodiesel

Residual contaminants and sulfur species can carry through post‑reaction, requiring robust finishing to meet ultra‑low sulfur requirements.

Pyrolysis Biofuel

Complex, variable compositions and color bodies demand strong separation and polishing for consistent, compliant biodiesel.

Distillation + Adsorption: The Compliance Pathway

• Distillation: Produces winter‑grade biodiesel, very low monoglycerides, and better color; typically <15 ppm sulfur

• Adsorption Add‑On: Guaranteed <10 ppm sulfur, no impact on distilled biodiesel, better color, common and affordable adsorbent, USD 28–33/ton treated

Full Process Envelope (For Real‑World Feedstocks)

• Methanol‑Water‑Biodiesel Separation (acid esterification routes)

• Fatty Acids Removal for acid‑esterified biodiesel

• Biodiesel‑Glycerin Separation, Biodiesel Washing, Biodiesel‑Water Separation

• Biodiesel Drying and Glycerin Drying

• Glycerin‑Fatty Matter Separation

• Methanol Recovery (highest recovery and purity)

• Glycerin Refining to USP and Glycerin to Propylene Glycol options

Typical Distilled Biodiesel Specs

• Monoglycerides: ≤ 0.2 wt%

• FFA: ≤ 0.25 wt%

• Moisture: <100 ppm

• CSFT: ≤ 300 s

• Sulfur: <15 ppm (distillation) or <10 ppm (with adsorption)

FAQ — Feedstock & Compliance

Q1: Can you handle high‑sulfur bio‑intermediates?

A: Yes. Distillation reduces sulfur and adsorption polishing guarantees <10 ppm.

Q2: What if our winter spec is demanding?

A: Distillation removes fractions that precipitate in the cold, producing winter‑grade biodiesel.

Q3: Will adsorption change my FAME’s properties?

A: No—it does not impact the distilled biodiesel.

Q4: Do you provide testing before we commit?

A: Yes—testing facilities are available to validate your feed and target specifications.

Q5: How do we procure and operate the system?

A: Choose ISBL, skid, or custom scope; static separation means no rotating separation equipment is required.

Q6: Are references available?

A: Yes—reference plant in operation and a long reference list.

Need <10 ppm sulfur on a complex feed? We’ll configure the right distillation + adsorption polishing train for your case. Start a technical review →