Implementing Biodiesel Distillation: Retrofit, Skid, or Full ISBL—Delivered with Guaranteed Performance

Introduction — Choose the Implementation Path That Fits

Whether you’re upgrading an existing unit or building new capacity, Sulzer provides flexible delivery with guaranteed performance: Full ISBL, skid supply, or customizable scope. With testing facilities, you can validate outcomes before committing.

Integration Options

Retrofit

Insert distillation and, if needed, adsorption into your existing line. Leverage current tanks/utilities while achieving winter‑grade and ultra‑low sulfur.

Skid Supply

Accelerate deployment with pre‑engineered skids—ideal for time‑to‑market and brownfield constraints.

Full ISBL

End‑to‑end delivery including methanol recovery, drying, glycerin refining, and FAME fractionation engineered as one integrated train.

Typical Scope of Supply

• Biodiesel Distillation (+ post‑distillation candle evaporator for high FAME yield)

• Adsorption Polishing for guaranteed <10 ppm sulfur (optional)

• Methanol Recovery (highest recovery rate & purity) from biodiesel and glycerin

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

• Biodiesel Drying, Glycerin Drying, Glycerin‑Fatty Matter Separation

• Glycerin Refining to USP and Glycerin to Propylene Glycol (optional valorization)

• Static separation philosophy: no rotating separation equipment required

  
  

Performance, Cost, and Delivery

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

• Adsorption treated cost: USD 28–33/ton

• Distilled biodiesel typical specs: monoglycerides ≤0.2 wt%, FFA ≤0.25 wt%, moisture <100 ppm, CSFT ≤300 s, sulfur <15 ppm

• Guaranteed <10 ppm sulfur with adsorption add‑on

• Reference plant in operation and long reference list

• Testing facilities available to de‑risk decisions

  
  

H2: Execution Roadmap

1) Define Targets

Feed slate(s), winter‑grade requirements, sulfur target (<15 ppm vs <10 ppm), and product handling.

2) Test & Validate

Run samples through testing facilities to confirm performance, energy balance, and color improvement.

3) Engineer the Scope

Select ISBL, skid, or custom. Align utilities, controls, and tie‑ins. Confirm static separation to minimize maintenance.

4) Deliver & Guarantee

Manufacture, install, and performance test against the agreed guarantee.

FAQ — Project Delivery

Q1: How fast can we implement?

A: Timelines depend on scope and permitting. Skids accelerate delivery; ISBL provides full integration.

Q2: How do you guarantee performance?

A: We contract on specific product specs (e.g., <10 ppm sulfur with adsorption), yield, and operating parameters.

Q3: Do we need rotating equipment for separation?

A: No. The design uses static separation—no rotating separation equipment—reducing maintenance.

Q4: Can you integrate our methanol and glycerin loops?

A: Yes—highest methanol recovery rate and purity, glycerin refining to USP, or glycerin to propylene glycol.

Q5: How do we ensure winter‑grade performance?

A: Distillation removes low‑temperature precipitating fractions; we validate CFPP performance in testing facilities.

Q6: Do you provide references?

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

Plan your unit with confidence guaranteed performance, flexible scope. Share your targets and we’ll propose the optimal configuration. Contact us →