Overview Feedstocks with high Free Fatty Acids cannot go directly to transesterification; first you must go through the esterification process. This is because the transesterification catalyst sodium methylolate reacts with the free fatty acids and forms soap. Instead, esterification of the free fatty acids is accomplished in two catalyst beds in series, with solid … [Read more...]
Degumming of Feedstocks – Part 2
1. Overview The Degumming of biodiesel feedstocks process is necessary prior to the esterification and transesterification processes. Typical crude degummed oils have had their Hydratable Phospholipids (HPLs) removed by a simple water wash process. We typically accomplish this at the crushers facility. However, a typical soybean oil contains both hydratable … [Read more...]
Flashbacks From Thermal Oxidizers and How Redesign Prevents Them
Introduction Flashbacks from Thermal Oxidizers cost the Chemical Process Industries millions of dollars in equipment damage and plant down time. Why does this happen? Is it the manufacturers of the thermal oxidizers fault? It is normally not the manufacturers fault. The thermal oxidizers operating manual normally says that the client must follow NFPA guidelines. NFPA … [Read more...]
Continuous Flow Chemistry for the Pharmaceutical Industry
Although the chemical industry has used continuous flow process plants for years, it is relatively new to the pharmaceutical industry. With skyrocketing costs for batch small molecule pharmaceutical plants reaching over $1,000 per square foot1. Continuous Flow Chemistry provides a lower installed cost alternative. Besides installed cost there are many other benefits as you … [Read more...]
The Chemistry of Slime
Introduction Originally, Slime was a toy product manufactured by Mattel, sold in a plastic trash can and introduced in February 1976. It consisted of a non-toxic viscous, squishy and oozy green or other color material made primarily from guar gum. Today, children everywhere have discovered how to make their own slime by using Elmer's glue. So what exactly is in Elmer's … [Read more...]