NiTech^® have developed our COBR^TM reactor to produce biodiesel. We can customise it to run on one specific feedstock or a range of different ones. The enhanced mixing that we generate allows us to achieve excellent yields and quick reaction times whilst reducing the methanol excess and processing times, compared to traditional processes. The continuous nature of the reactor means that energy requirements are consistent and low, with the plant footprint significantly reduced from large batch systems.

Within biodiesel production our expertise has focused on the reaction step. We have concentrated on performing the reaction as efficiently as possible; developing our biodiesel reaction technology with the sole aim of reducing the cost of manufacturing biodiesel. We can design our reactors to work with any feedstock, or catalysts (hydroxide or methylate) and always undertake the necessary optimisation required to meet the required standard. We have worked on a variety of feedstocks with very different qualities; from waste vegetable oil (WVO) to cold pressed Oil Seed Rape (OSR)/Canola and food grade Soybean Oil. We always look to introduce as little energy into the reaction as possible to help reduce the processing costs and improve the energy balance.

We have produced biodiesel to the EN14214 standard through our reactor and have also undertaken work on improving the downstream processing. We have been developing a waterless wash process that would not create the landfill waste created by resins and other solid particulates. We are also keen to develop a heterogeneous catalyst (solid) that would work at ambient pressure and relatively low temperature.

Biodiesel is made by the transesterifying vegetable oils to produce alkyl esters and glycerol. The processing conditions vary but generally it involves; elevated temperature, a feedstock oil, a base catalyst and methanol. The most simplistic process would consist of combining the ingredients together in a tank, adding heat, mixing and allowing the reaction to complete. After the reaction there would be two distinct layers; a dark heavier glycerol layer at the bottom and a lighter ester layer on the top. The esters and glycerol would then be separated and the biodiesel washed. Washing is needed to remove the catalyst; conventionally, this is done with water although there are ion exchange resins and solid particles that can be used.

Contact us to discover how we can help you create an efficient biodiesel process.

Contact us to find out more about our work on the post reaction processing.