Plant Location: Iowa

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Project Overview:

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Saola Energy evaluated the methanol recovery system at an existing 10MMPGY Biodiesel facility to identify issues in the design and installation. Once flaws in the original column were pinpointed it received improvements to maximize its performance.

Upon an initial site visit, Saola engineers gathered information on the existing installation and interviewed operations regarding the performance issues with the system. Saola then developed a rigorous process simulation of the column. Multiple potential operating cases were investigated, including different feedstocks, varying flow rates, and reagent concentrations. Each piece of equipment in the system was evaluated, including heat exchangers, pumps, instrumentation, control valves, and physical piping. 

A detailed report was provided to the client with solutions identified for all issues. The report provided a road map for the client to modify their system to reach desired performance at a minimum capital cost.