Diamond Green Diesel to expand renewable fuel capacity using Honeywell UOP technology
DES PLAINES, Ill. -- Honeywell UOP announced that the Diamond Green Diesel facility in Norco, La., will expand its annual production capacity of renewable diesel from 10,000 bpd to 18,000 bpd, using Honeywell UOP's Ecofining process technology.
Diamond Green Diesel, which is owned by Valero Energy Corp. and Darling Ingredients Inc., is the largest commercial advanced biofuel facility in the United States. The company plans to complete the expansion in the second quarter of 2018.
"The expansion of the Diamond Green Diesel facility is a testament to the viability and growth potential of renewable fuels," said Dave Cepla, senior director of Honeywell UOP's Renewable Energy and Chemicals business. "The technology and commercial potential of the Ecofining process have been proven, and the best evidence is the company's decision to invest in expanded production capacity."
The Diamond Green Diesel facility converts inedible oils and other waste feedstocks to produce Honeywell Green Diesel, a high-quality renewable fuel. Unlike biodiesel, renewable diesel produced using the Ecofining process is chemically identical to petroleum-based diesel and can be used as a drop-in replacement in vehicles with no modifications. It also features up to an 80% lifecycle reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with diesel from petroleum.
Fuel produced at the facility is qualified as "Biomass-Based Diesel," an Advanced Biofuel under the US Environmental Protection Agency's Renewable Fuel Standard, which requires a minimum volume of transportation fuels sold in the US to contain renewable fuel as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Honeywell UOP jointly developed the Ecofining process with Eni SpA. It converts non-edible natural oils and animal fats to Honeywell Green Diesel, which offers improved performance over biodiesel and petroleum-based diesel. It features a cetane value of 80, compared with a cetane range of 40 to 60 found in diesel at the pump today.
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