Renewable Biofuels Production

Put simply, biofuels are any fuels that are derived from biomass – a broad term that includes plant and animal waste. Biofuels can be blended with petroleum fuels, but they can also be used as a sole source of fuel. Ethanol, derived from corn, is among the earliest and most commonly known biofuels. Today’s renewable biofuels are created from plant and animal waste, making them more environmentally sustainable and almost chemically identical to fossil fuel. Biofuels are not new, but there is a renewed drive for their use as companies increasingly focus on more sustainable energy sources, such as soybeans, sugar cane, animal manure and woody plants. 

Biofuels are a renewable source of cleaner-burning energy. Because they are produced from organically replenished feedstocks, biofuels provide a circular economy of sustainable products that can be used time and again.

Biofuels differ from other renewable energy sources in a key way: Biomass can be converted directly into liquid fuels – known as biofuels – for transportation fuel purposes. This provides a more sustainable solution to a significant source of energy use. Increased use of ethanol or biodiesel cuts down on use of gasoline and diesel fuel made from fossil fuels. In addition, biofuels burn cleaner than pure gasoline or diesel fuels, thus releasing less harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

Traditional level and flow measurement technologies are impacted by changing fluid properties and ambient conditions, making biofuels – with their different fluid properties – a challenge. Emerson’s smart flow metering systems and level instrumentation can handle a variety of fluid properties across a wide range of environments, making it possible to report receipts, usage and shipments to meet regulations and even validate subsidies. 

Biofuels are more corrosive compared to traditional petrochemicals, but there are technologies available to mitigate this concern. Emerson’s Plantweb Insight uses sensors to monitor corrosion and interpret complex data. This can alert to issues before they arise, helping to extend equipment life by making it possible to address impending corrosion before it damages vital equipment.

While there are variations in feedstock, having full control over reactors is key to avoid over-cracking products and meeting quality standards. Advanced analytics software allows refiners to identify optimal operating conditions for each feedstock type as well as provide optimum targets. This helps increase diesel yield and reduce waste disposal.