FBA can assist a developer in the marketing of products (both biodiesel and glycerin) through a combination of consultation services, crafting of product off-take agreements, and identification of suppliers. FBA has been offering this type of biodiesel support throughout the growth of the biodiesel industry.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is renewable fuel for diesel engines, a methyl ester resulting from the reaction of a fat-based feedstock with catalysts (such as sodium hydroxide and methanol). Where a designation is indicated, such as B100 or B20, the number represents the total percentage of biodiesel blended with non-biodiesel. E.g. B100 contains 100% methyl esters.
Biodiesel Chemistry
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Source: NREL
Glycerin
Glycerin results from the reaction of the biodiesel and catalysts. It is the principal by-product of the biodiesel process and can be quite valuable, having thousands of uses throughout industry. The quality of the glycerin varies based on the process and completion of the reaction, and the feedstocks utilized, and is usually qualified as a grade based on its purity into three common categories (shown in order of quality):
- Crude Glycerin - Crude glycerin is the lowest quality glycerin, often in the range of 80% purity, or less.
- Technical Grade Glycerin - Technical grade, or refined glycerin, is glycerin that is very pure--often 99.7%--but lacks the steps required for the highest quality and consequently highest valued glycerin, (USP).
- USP Glycerin - USP is glycerin that is 99.7%+ pure and meets U.S. Pharmaceutical certifications.
There are other types of glycerin, such as Kosher.
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