Diamond Green Diesel to expand HVO capacity in Norco using technology from Honeywell UOP

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Diamond Green Diesel, a joint venture formed by Diamond Alternative Energy LLC (subsidiary of Valero Energy Corporation) and Darling Ingredients Inc., operates a HVO biorefinery in Norco (Louisiana, USA) since 2013 (see list of HVO biorefineries). The plant processes a mix of non-edible vegetable oils and animal fats into Honeywell Green Diesel™, a renewable diesel fuel. With a capacity of 10,000 barrels per day (more than 150 Mgal per year), it is one of the largest commercial advanced biofuel facilities in the United States.

Now, Honeywell UOP announces that the facility will expand its annual production capacity of renewable diesel from its current 10,000 bpd to 18,000 bpd (more than 275 Mgal per year) using its Ecofining™ process technology (see press release). The company plans to complete the expansion in the second quarter of 2018. Dave Cepla, senior director of Honeywell UOP’s Renewable Energy and Chemicals business, said: “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”.

Figure 1. Diamond Green Diesel facility in Norco

Honeywell UOP jointly developed the Ecofining process with Eni SpA. The green diesel produced with this technology features a cetane value of 80, compared with a cetane range of 40 to 60 found in diesel at the pump today. Cetane values indicate how quickly and completely diesel fuel will burn. Higher-cetane diesel fuel provides better engine performance with fewer emissions. It can be blended with cheaper low-cetane diesel to meet transportation standards. Honeywell Green Diesel also offers excellent performance at cold temperatures. Unlike biodiesel, HVO is chemically identical to petroleum-based diesel and can be used as a drop-in replacement in vehicles with no modifications.

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