SRS Int'l, Biodiesel Experts partner to offer enzymatic process
February 4, 2015
BY Ron Kotrba
SRS International Corp. has partnered with Biodiesel Experts International LLC to provide turnkey biodiesel refineries worldwide. The partnership combines SRS’ proven biodiesel technology for traditional chemical processes and Biodiesel Experts’ enzymatic technical process knowledge, allowing SRS to supply turnkey enzymatic biodiesel production facilities.
SRS and Biodiesel Experts have developed a transesterification system for biodiesel processing that utilizes enzymes to efficiently produce quality biodiesel on any scale. A major appeal of enzymatic processing is the ability to use low-grade feedstock high in free fatty acids (FFA). The primary job of the enzyme becomes the esterification of FFA to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). The enzymes convert high-FFA feedstock with reaction chemistry into FAME by performing both transesterification and esterification simultaneously. Careful monitoring during the reaction of methanol, water and enzymes, temperature, and rate of conversion are critical to ensure high-quality finished biodiesel and optimize the number of enzyme reuses.
“We are excited to be working with Biodiesel Experts,” said George Hawranik, senior engineer at SRS International. “Incorporating their enzymatic technology into our biodiesel refinery processes is an important milestone to add to our current technologies. The hurdle of making enzyme catalyzed transesterification economically viable on a commercial scale has been overcome. The enzymatic process works at a production cost per gallon that is comparable to that of traditional biodiesel, requires lower capital investment, allows the use of less expensive, more varied feedstocks with free fatty acid content as high as 100 percent and the enzymes are immobilized so they can be used for long periods without replenishing, making it economically feasible.”
Advertisement
Ernie DeMartino, President of Biodiesel Experts, said, “Working with SRS International has been an amazing experience. They have proven biodiesel technology and process equipment. Incorporating our enzymatic process knowledge will revolutionize the biodiesel industry by allowing producers to cut production costs and allowing them to use up to 100 percent FFA feedstock. We are looking forward to offering this new process.”
Biodiesel Experts works with Advanced Enzymes and its industrial enzyme division Enzyme Innovation as its supplier.
Advertisement
Related Stories
The Singapore Airlines Group has signed agreements with Neste and World Energy to acquire sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and SAF certificates, respectively. The purchases include 1,000 metric tons of neat SAF from Neste.
Biomass Magazine has announced the dates for the 19th annual International Biomass Conference & Expo. The event is scheduled to be held March 31-April 2, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
Keolis Commuter Services, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s operations and maintenance partner for the Commuter Rail, has launched an alternative fuel pilot utilizing renewable diesel for some locomotives.
Virgin Australia and Boeing on May 22 released a report by Pollination on the challenges and opportunities of an International Book and Claim system for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) accounting.
Chevron U.S.A. Inc. on May 15 filed a notice with the Iowa Workforce Development announcing plans to layoff 70 employees at its Ames, Iowa, location by June 18. The company’s Chevron REG subsidiary is headquartered in Ames.
Upcoming Events
