The Refining Process

The main phases of Biodiesel production process:

  • Esterification: mixing oil with the catalyst (methanol).
  • Methanol de-sorption: excess methanol is removed by vacuum distillation.
  • Separation: Glycerin and Biodiesel are pumped into a centrifuge for separation under pressure where the excess glycerin, methanol, and soap are washed.
  • Glycerol neutralization: the glycerol phase contains: catalyst, some soaps, methanol.
  • Distillation of Biodiesel under vacuum

Converting oils into biodiesel is done through a chemical process called transesterification in which glycerin is separated from a lipid (vegetable oil or animal fat). The process produces two products: methyl esters or biodiesel, and glycerin, which is used in soaps, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The only other byproduct is a small amount of free fatty acids that can be used as an ingredient of animal feed.

Sirona Fuels has developed a number of proprietary processes that allow it to generate consistently high quality fuel. These processes include methods for performing the reaction, fuel filtration and the dewatering of feedstocks. Sirona's chemical analysis laboratory tests feedstock and fuel at each stage of the production process and ensures that consistent high quality control is achieved.

Sirona’s biodiesel meets the clean diesel standards established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and has been designated as an alternative fuel by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the US Department of Transportation (DOT). Since biodiesel contains no sulfur or aromatics it already meets the EPA's 2007 diesel fuel sulfur standard of 15ppm or less.