Unlocking the potential of waste oils

Barchart·12/16/2025 05:14:13

In the race toward a sustainable energy future, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) are emerging as pivotal biofuels.
These fuels, derived from hydrogenated oils and fats, known as HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids), offer a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
However, with the potential of these renewable fuels comes the challenge of refining impure feedstocks, particularly when waste materials are involved.
This is where BDI-BioEnergy International steps in, leveraging its expertise in waste oil processing to make sustainable fuels more viable and efficient than ever before.
By addressing the intricate needs of waste-based oils and fats, BDI is paving the way for cleaner energy and a more sustainable fuel economy.

The importance of advanced pretreatment

Producing biofuels from waste oils is not as simple as refining fossil fuels. Waste oils, whether from used cooking oil or animal fats, contain impurities that can disrupt downstream processing steps.
To meet stringent quality requirements, thorough pretreatment of these raw materials is essential.
BDI has responded to this challenge with its Advanced PreTreatment technology, designed to efficiently purify waste-based oils and fats, setting a new standard in biofuel production.
This process is especially crucial when handling materials that have undergone significant degradation, as such oils are prone to fouling and can be difficult to manage with conventional techniques.

Expertise in waste oil processing

BDI-BioEnergy International has a long-standing commitment to innovation in waste-based oil processing.
By understanding the unique properties of biological oils and fats, the company has developed proprietary techniques that account for the higher contamination levels and composition variability typical of waste materials. With this expertise, BDI has accumulated the knowledge and technology necessary to transform complex waste oils into viable renewable fuel sources, all while maintaining high standards of efficiency and sustainability.

Tackling the complexities of waste oil treatment

One of the primary challenges in treating waste oils is their tendency to thicken and become sticky as they degrade, a factor that complicates conventional processing methods.
To overcome this, BDI integrates specialised centrifuge technology into the initial processing stage of its Advanced PreTreatment system.
This unique centrifuge is engineered to prevent fouling, minimise cleaning requirements and enhance process stability, even in the face of challenging feedstock compositions.

Modular flexibility and high-yield efficiency

BDI’s Advanced PreTreatment system is built on a modular concept, allowing for flexibility in adapting to specific customer needs and varying feedstock characteristics.
Central to this design is the BDI PrePurification unit, where the centrifuge technology plays a crucial role in maximising yield while minimising downtime. This modular system, unlike conventional degumming units, utilises a three-phase decanter-based PrePurification unit that reduces oil loss and boosts overall plant availability.
In addition, BDI’s patented polyethylene reduction process removes contaminants without the need for traditional filtration, further enhancing efficiency. Each unit in this modular system, including options for drying and adsorption, can be customised to meet the specific impurity profile of the raw material.
This flexibility ensures that the production process not only meets quality standards, but does so in a way that is tailored to each client’s unique requirements.

Adaptive plant operation and analytical management

Adaptability is key in BDI’s approach, with a strong focus on flexible plant operation to account for the evolving nature of feedstocks.
BDI’s analytical management strategy empowers operators to adjust processing parameters based on real-time analytical data, ensuring consistent product quality despite fluctuations in feedstock composition.
This approach allows facilities to respond proactively to changes in raw materials, maintaining efficiency and quality without the need for extensive operational adjustments.

Comprehensive support from start to finish

With its depth of experience in managing diverse oils and fats, BDI offers more than just technology, it provides comprehensive support at every stage of the project.
From initial raw material analysis to ongoing operational support, the company’s hands-on approach ensures that customers receive guidance tailored to their specific needs.
This commitment to customer support highlights BDI’s dedication to not only advancing biofuel technology, but also fostering a sustainable biofuel ecosystem.

Leading the way in sustainable fuel production

BDI-BioEnergy International’s Advanced PreTreatment process marks a significant step forward in waste oil processing for renewable fuel production. By combining advanced technology with a flexible, modular approach, BDI enables a cleaner and more efficient pathway to renewable diesel and SAF production.
As biofuels gain momentum in the quest for sustainable energy solutions, the firm’s innovations promise to make a substantial impact on the industry and contribute meaningfully to global carbon reduction efforts.
In an era where energy demands and environmental concerns are at the forefront, BDI’s technology offers a promising solution, one that supports both economic and ecological goals by unlocking the full potential of waste oils and fats in biofuel production.