The production of biodiesel or bioethanol in smaller or medium-sized plants is currently not profitable under the given market conditions in Germany. Between 2008 and 2010 the world market price for oilseeds and cereals became more than doubled, and fuel prices stagnated or rather fell at the same time, bringing insolvency to many biofuel companies.
With our knowledge, this technology can be reactivated at any time.
The production of biofuels has been well developed for many years. Biodiesel is produced by transesterification of vegetable oils with the addition of methanol and a catalyst. Bioethanol is produced by yeast fermentation of sugars or starch-containing raw materials, e.g. cereals, potatoes, sugar beet or sugar cane.
Both biodiesel and bioethanol are therefore natural products and the resulting by-products can be utilized in a subsequent biogas plant. The gained energy (as heat and electricity) could be used in the company for its own supply, achieving an excellent environmental balance.
Even when the processes to produce these two environmentally friendly biofuels are relatively easy to apply in the industry, nowadays they are not demanded as expected.
In order to objectify the constant discussions about the impacts of biofuels with the hunger in the world, we have written a short statement and clarification. Please feel free to read it.
>> Download "For the salvation of biofuel" <<
We have developed a procedure to rebuild existing processing plants and bring them back to life as efficient biodiesel and bioethanol plants.
Conversion of a Slop Drying Plant for Biodiesel Production
KVG, Schleswig, Germany
INNOVAS performed a reconstruction concept for the biodiesel production plant of KVG Kartoffelverwertungsgesellschaft Cordes & Stoltenburg GmbH & Co. in Schleswig. For the new production line, a former drying facility for distiller's wash (slop) was modified. An oil mill for high-quality cold pressed rape seed oil was installed additionally to the transesterification plant.
Even when the plant achieved successful production, the plant is no longer in operation, since the biodiesel market collapsed.
Reconstruction of a Distillery
Biodiesel Bokel
The biodiesel plant Bokel GmbH arose from a typical agricultural distillery cooperative. The former grain distillery was converted into a biodiesel production plant with a capacity of 10,000 tons of biodiesel per year. The biggest advantage for the investors was the possibility to use and modify most of the tanks, machinery and instruments which already existed in the biodiesel plant.
Even when the plant achieved successful production, the plant is no longer in operation, since the biodiesel market collapsed.
