How to Implement BioFlux™ Thermal Pretreatment: Retrofit, Coprocessing, or New Build
- cemnar0
- Sep 19
- 2 min read
Introduction — Choose Your Path to SAF Scale
Whether you retrofit an existing hydrotreater for co‑processing or design a greenfield SAF complex, BioFlux™ TPT integrates smoothly using standard refinery equipment. Modular supply compresses schedules, enabling ≤24 months from concept to modules.
Integration Options
1) Retrofit + Coprocessing
Leverage the existing hydrotreater to co‑process bio‑feeds. BioFlux™ prepares FOGs so you can ramp production quickly while validating hydrogen, utility, and naphtha handling strategies.
2) Brownfield Upgrade
Add BioFlux™ pretreatment ahead of a dedicated hydrotreater. Benefits include contaminant control, oxygen removal, and hydrogen savings without the need for exotic metallurgy.
3) Greenfield (New Build)
Design BioFlux™ into new SAF facilities for optimal utilities integration, hydrogen generation alignment, and naphtha monetization from day one.
Engineering Scope & Interfaces
Feed handling: UCO, DCO, animal fats, palm by‑products, soybean oil
Thermal conversion: Triglycerides → FFAs and PIONAs
Contaminant control: Up to 96% metals, 99% phosphorus, 99.9% chlorides
Oxygen removal: Up to 50%, reduces hydrotreater hydrogen
Downstream tie‑ins: Hydrotreating, hydrogen generation, naphtha routing
Materials & layout: Standard refinery equipment, no catalyst, no exotic metallurgy
Execution Timeline & Delivery
Concept & Feasibility: Feed slate, hydrogen balance, utilities, naphtha route
Basic Engineering: Plot plan, integration with hydrotreating and H₂
Modular Plant Supply: Within 24 months for accelerated commissioning
Performance KPIs: Contaminant and oxygen removal, hydrogen reduction, throughput stability
Operating Model & Economics
Hydrogen demand drops (up to 50% vs. conventional), lowering OPEX and CI
Natural gas savings add to unit margin
Renewable naphtha provides additional revenue
Total costs: Up to 12% lower vs. conventional processes, and up to 15% vs. conventional pretreatment + hydrotreating
Ready to Optimize Your SAF Production?
Contact our engineering team today to discuss your project and learn how BioFlux™ Thermal Pretreatment can unlock low-cost feedstocks, reduce hydrogen consumption, and improve your economics.
