Biovalue Nederland B.V. (2019-2021)
Overview
Eco Fuels is part of Bio Oil Group, and their focus is to produce biodiesel as a sustainable alternative to fossil-based fuels. Their plant in Eemshaven (Netherlands) needed an upgrade, and that’s where we got involved.
Back in 2006, we helped build their plant, which used cooking oil as feedstock to produce 66,000 tonnes of biodiesel per year. Thirteen years later, we were brought on board again as it was time to increase their production to 160,000 tonnes to repurpose even more cooking oil for biodiesel production. Biodiesel made out of used cooking oil guarantees 80% less CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuels. This is due to the plant not compromising food or feed usage and not using a greenfield site for biodiesel production.
The Approach
To increase production, the customer needed our process know-how, mechanical and electrical engineering experience. We provided our expertise along the entire lifecycle of the project, from the concept and basic engineering to support the installation, to finally doing the commissioning. After the commissioning, we helped optimise the plant and delivered the project ready to be used in October 2021.
With our sustainability goals in mind, we had to consider our environmental impact, including chemical usage and water consumption. Claudia Donner, our process engineer that was part of this project, explained that “the idea was to pay attention to emissions, water consumption, and to reduce chemical usage so that we could be as sustainable and efficient as possible.”
Challenges
We followed all Dutch regulations, and for that, we needed a specific burner for the steam vessel that would suit the nitrogen emissions laws. It wasn’t easy to find, but we desperately needed one so the project wouldn’t be compromised. Our team embraced the challenge, and as fast as we could, found a suitable burner and managed to deliver the project on time.
Results
The engineering started in 2019 when biodiesel production capacity was still 66.000 tonnes per year. After the construction phase that started in May 2021, we managed to increase the production by 142%. This means that now, the Eco Fuels plant can produce 160.000 tonnes of biodiesel annually. The project reflects the high quality of our work, which ensured that the quality standards EN 14214 and ASTM-D6751-02 are met.
Building a Circular Economy with Christof Industries
Projects like this contribute to the creation of a circular economy. Christof Industries has the experience, expertise, and know-how to support and make projects like this possible. Get in contact with us and let our team help you develop your business or next project.
Technical Information
- 2006: Turn-key construction (EPC project) of a multi-feedstock biodiesel production plant with upstream vegetable oil press
- 2021: Upgrade Annual capacity 160,000 tonnes of biodiesel
Highlights
Maximum output using a range of different raw materials with the major benefit that biodiesel can be produced using 100%used cooking oil (UCO), maintaining compliance with the quality standards EN 14214 and ASTM-D6751-02.
Location: Eemshaven, Netherlands
