Adsorptive Removal of Contaminants from Fats and Oils for Production of BioFuels

Both Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel are derived from fats and oils. These fats and oils can often present challenges in the process due to contaminants that interfere with the efficiency of the reaction often resulting in a decrease of catalyst activity. This study looks at the removal of these contaminants to help with the biodiesel reaction efficiencies as well as helping to protect the catalyst used during the hydrotreating process for renewable diesel. The use of activated clay has been shown to remove these contaminants through the process of adsorption.

The life of the catalyst for renewable diesel can be significantly improved by removing contaminants such as metals and phosphorus. This can result in significant cost savings during the production of renewable diesel.