Frequently Asked Questions

Does the BPU400 include a system for methanol recovery?

Yes. Orbitek’s BPU400 has a very efficient methanol recovery system that captures approximately 97% of the excess methanol.

Does the turnkey really include everything?

A turnkey facility includes everything but the site… and if you need help in finding the right place for your facility, our business consulting team can help you.

Do your plants pose environmental issues that will interfere with obtaining permitting?

Air

All three phases of the process are closed loop so there are virtually no emissions from the process equipment. There will be emissions from transfer equipment during transfer of the methanol and methylate from incoming suppliers. But measures can be taken by your balance of plant provider (the installer of your storage tanks), that can either recapture or suppress these emissions through nitrogen blanketing.

Water

Orbitek’s BPU400 does not use water wash as the final polish step so it does not generate waste water. However, if you are using high FFA oil (ex. - waste vegetable oil or yellow grease, animal tallow or white grease, tropical oil like palm or Jatropha) as feedstock you will need preprocessing and the preprocessing equipment will generate a minimal amount of waste water. Our plant design provides for its storage. You may talk with your local permitting agency to determine the best way to dispose of the water. In some cases it may go to the city’s water treatment through the regular sewer system, you may decide to put in water treatment equipment, or your feedstock provider may take it off premise.

Fire

The boilers used in the flex-feed facility will meet EPA and virtually all state requirements. You will need to work with your local fire marshal in addition to the EPA and local building agencies since you will be storing not only feedstock and biodiesel/glycerin but also flammable methanol and methylate. The DEQ will help you with SPCC (spill containment).

My main feedstock will be Waste Vegetable Oil. Do you have problems getting the biodiesel to meet ASTM'S using WVO?

No. Running high FFA oil is more complex than making biodiesel from a refined feedstock. The main point to remember is that you will be taking an inconsistent feedstock product and turning it into a consistently high quality biodiesel. So the oil must be preprocessed to degum, dry and esterify it before your turn it into biodiesel. Your facility chemist or biodiesel technicians will play a critical role. But using our technology- the end product will meet ASTM specifications.

How much does a biodiesel plant cost to get up and running?

We can give you a ball park figure. But there are variables that are site specific that can change the facility price dramatically. Your best bet is to call and talk to one our staff members or send us an email so we can discuss the specifics of your project.