Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Technology of Biofuel
Production
A Primer on the Technology of Biofuel Production
Biodiesel
Bioethanol
Fuel Pellets
Biodiesel Production as an
Alternative Energy Source from the
Farm
"Biodiesel Basics"
• What is biodiesel…
• How is it used…
• What is it made from…
Biodiesel Basics
• Biodiesel = Fuel (similar to diesel)
• Can be used in any diesel engine
– 18-wheeler, combine, pickup truck, rice well
pump, locomotive, home heating system, boat, etc
• Normally used as a "blend" with petro-diesel
– B2, B5, B20, etc….B = % biodiesel to petro-diesel
• Made from vegetable oil or fat—not petroleum
– soybean, cotton, sunflower, canola, poultry fat,
pork fat, beef fat, used cooking oil, etc….
("all come from the farm")
Biodiesel Basics
• Advantages of Biodiesel
– Reduces dependence on foreign oil
– Supports U.S. economy
– Supports Agri economy
– Cleaner Burning Fuel—Better for the Environment
– Reduced particulates, hydrocarbons, sulfur dioxide,
carbon monoxide, etc
– Non-toxic (1/10th toxicity of table salt) and
biodegradable
– Provides lubricity to engines
Biodiesel Basics
Avg. Plant Size ~ 6M gal/year (67% < 5M and 10% > 20M)
Feedstock = Soy (34), Multiple (11), Used Cooking Oil (6), Cotton (1), & Beef (1)
Annual Production: 2004 = 25M gal…2005 = 75M gal…2006 = 150M gal
FutureFuel's Biodiesel Project
• Feasibility study began in May 2005
• Commercial production of B100 began in late October 2005
• Feedstock
– Soy oil (primary— current production)
– Rendered oil (secondary—current production)
– Used Cooking Oil (on hold)
• Market
– Arkansas (primary)
– Beyond Arkansas (as opportunities arise)
– Internal (using B20 in our own fleet)
• Production capability (all with existing equipment)
– Initially: ~ 3M gallons/year rate
– Presently: ~ 24M gallons/year rate
• Rail & Truck shipment capabilities
• BQ-9000 Accredited Producer (4th in U.S.)
• Soon to introduce "Biodiesel Services" business
Biodiesel Business Model…Soybean Oil
Biodiesel
Feedstock Biodiesel
Marketing &
Soybean Oil Production
Distribution
Soybean
Supply
Soybean Rendered
Fat
Glycerin
Meal
Alternative
Animal
Products or
Feed
Fuel
Biodiesel Business Model…Soybean Oil
Biodiesel
Feedstock Biodiesel
Marketing &
Soybean Oil Production
Distribution
1—1.4 gallons 1 gallon
Soybean
Supply
1 Bushel
Soybean
Rendered Glycerin
Meal
Fat 1 Lb.
48—52 lbs
Alternative
Animal
Products or
Feed
Fuel
Triglyceride
Methanol
Catalyst
Glycerin/Methanol/Catalyst
Water Biodiesel
Water/Methanol/Glycerin
Biodiesel ASTM D 6751
EASTMAN
Cellulosic
ethanol
EASTMAN
Cellulosic Ethanol Plant Components
Component Status Comments
Biomass Sizing/Storage X
Biomass Pretreatment ? Vessels for Slurry/Extraction
Biomass Fractionation ? Vessels for Slurry/Extraction
Fermenters X
Distillation √ NOBS II Columns
Ethanol Drying √ NOBS II + S.R. Azeo Columns