All work that was outlined within the preliminary scope of this project has been completed.
The Stanlow Pre-Treatment Plant (SPTP) received several modifications which allowed Argent Energy to process increased tonnages of waste fats, oils and greases for biodiesel production. The analysis of key feedstock parameters using infra-red showed success in 2 tests. One of which using existing analytical methods is prone to poor reproducibility and requires several minutes to complete. An investigation into a new settling test was explored along with an assessment of the impact the degraded waste feedstocks used at Stanlow could have on the quality of Stanlow biodiesel side-products.
A new treatment for the removal of polyethylene from partially pre-treated waste feedstocks was demonstrated and will also be sold to potential end-users such as renderers. The use of microwaves in replacing traditional means of pre-esterification was demonstrated and the system was installed at full-scale at the Motherwell site. Investigations into the recycling of water for use in other parts of the process were successful but the methods explored were not deemed commercially viable.
Work was also carried out on the improvement on the quality of biodiesel. Removal of fatty amides was attempted by optimising reaction times in the Stanlow Biodiesel Refinery (SBDR). Levels were seen to be reduced after experimentation. The use of ionic liquids showed that free fatty acids and sulphur levels could be reduced but the levels of additive required were too high for this to be commercially viable.
The quality of full-scale manufactured biodiesel was monitored. Along with the use of high biodiesel blends and ULSD in buses. The impact on fuel economy, reliability, engine oil and tailpipe emissions were also monitored.
The life-cycle impact of producing biodiesel from challenging degraded fats, oils and greases versus existing biodiesel production was also calculated. A socio-economic assessment was carried out also.
A detailed analysis of the availability of feedstock and the impact on the profitability of Argent’s business model was carried out. Any potential intellectual property which could be exploited from the project was documented. Finally, an exploitation plan which outlined further work and plans for the results of the project was compiled.
The work carried out in the BioDie 2020 project has been of immense value to all parties involved. Output from the project has led to a commercial opportunity for BDI in improving polyethylene removal from waste fats, oils and greases.
There has also been improved contact and relations with potential suppliers of waste-water treatment fats, oils and greases. A maturing network of potential suppliers has and will be realised through the business exploitation plan. This is in turn will contribute to the reduction of material going to landfill and improve the profitability of Argent Energy.
