managementofcrudeglycerinfromtheproductionofbiodiesel.docVIP

Management of Crude Glycerin from the Production of Biodiesel For NPDES Programs INTRODUCTION The rapid growth of the Biodiesel Industry has also created rapid growth in the production of Crude Glycerin (CG), a co-product of the biodiesel production process. CG-based value added products are under development, but until these technologies come online at industrial scale, CG will be sold at a discount to glycerin refiners or disposed of. This paper is a preliminary technical guidance for NPDES managers during this interim period as the industry develops. Biodiesel is created by mixing ten parts of oil or fat (vegetable or animal) with one part of methanol (with a catalyst and heat), to produce ten parts of biodiesel and one part of CG. The quality of the CG is dependent upon the process that the biodiesel company uses to handle their glycerin. Companies that remove and reuse the excess methanol used during the production of biodiesel will generate glycerin with these characteristics: In more detail, CG contains: 85-88% Glycerin ~10% water ~4% salt Methanol at up to 1500 ppm (depending on methanol recovery) Fatty acids and soap (depending on purity of feedstock) Catalyst Trace Metals Carry over feedstock Lost biodiesel product High ionic concentration due to catalyst and acid/base neutralization. High BOD High Fuel Value (Pure Glycerin = 19,000 BTU/#, CG = 7,000 BTU/# net fuel value). Here are links for more detailed information on pure glycerin: /documents/sids/sids/56815.pdf /MSDS%20MATERIALS/Glycerine.pdf There are many possible technologies available for the use or disposal of CG. The following sections contain information that could involve NPDES authorities. LAND BASED DISPOSAL Landfill Landfilling is covered by the Solid Waste regulations of the state, but landfills are required to have stormwater permits. Here is a regulatory description of CG, based on the solid waste regulations: CG is a highly viscous liquid at room temperature