Utility requirements, and therefore operating costs, can be reduced in several ways. For instance, a design may require cooled air for condensing to reduce the need for cooling towers and refrigeration units. Another advantage is the mixture of horizontal and vertical layout so that, in some cases, streams can flow by gravity from an upper to a lower module instead of pumping horizontally. This not only reduces utility requirements, but can eliminate pumps, further reducing the system’s capital cost.
In conclusion, new construction or expansion design comes down to the bottom line. In the alternative fuels marketplace, margins are tight. A properly designed modular system using innovative process techniques can reduce investment capital costs for construction, and reduce operating costs and utility requirements through energy integration. The result is an increase in product and coproduct values, producing a more competitive biodiesel plant.

Steve Lavorerio is founder and president of
The ChemPro Group. Reach him at
slavorerio@thechemprogroup.com or (973) 299-1880. Charlie Bambara is founder and
vice president of engineering at The
ChemPro Group. Reach him at cbambara@thechemprogroup.com. Vince Fuschetti is the owner of Advance Process Technology LLC. Reach him at (908) 216-5426.

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