Biodiesel
Biodiesel, a fuel with similar characteristics like diesel usually made from vegetable oils
or animal fats.
All vegetable oil molecules have a similar construction – fatty acid esters comprising the trivalent polyol glycerine. Biodiesel is produced by a Transesterification Process.
Vegetable oil and methanol are heated in the presence of a catalyst (e.g. potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, alcoholate). This causes the glycerine and methanol to change places and three single fatty acid methyl ester chains and one glycerine molecule are formed. Subsequently, among others the developing glycerin is separated from the biodiesel in different cleaning steps.
The production of Biodiesel Fuels in the reactor is a simple, economical but also very controlled process. Pumping fluids of varying viscosity and gel characteristics requires the superior metering and low shear capabilities of a Progressive Cavity Pump.
With their proven performance in Chemical Process Applications Progressive Cavity Pumps are most suitable not only for every stage of the fuel production, but also for the handling of all products which are used in the manufacturing process.
The success history of biodiesel radiates increasingly also on other alternative fuels. BTL (biomass to liquid) - fuels are synthesized from firm biomass. As raw materials e.g. wood, straw, cereals, grasses and also bio waste are applicable. Bio ethanol for benzine engines is extracted from the fermentation of sugary raw materials. Largest bio ethanol producers and users are Brazil and the USA.
Also for these applications seepex offers various solutions. With the sophisticated seepex pump technology processes can be optimized. Process steps like e.g. mixing, macerating and handling within closed systems are realized with a low energy consumption in a safe, gentle and cost-effective way.
Various projections by experts predict the continued growth of Biodiesel Fuels, further spurred by rising costs of conventional fuels and environmental issues. While the percentage of energy use that would be replaced by Biodiesel may be based on conservative estimates, the industry is unanimous in its belief that this will be the Fuel of the Future.
seepex pumps offer a wide range of performance and choices in materials of construction to support the pumping needs of this rapidly growing Alternate Source of Energy.
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