New GEA process for HVO pretreatment eliminates need for bleaching

GEA has developed the new PRE2FUEL process for the pretreatment of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) that no longer requires bleaching. This eliminates the need to purchase, handle and dispose of bleaching earth and avoids oil losses in the spent material. Overall, the new process saves up to more than 50 percent of OPEX for HVO pretreatment. In addition, savings of 12 percent in CO2 emissions can be achieved.

Extensive tests provided clear results for the success of GEA PRE2FUEL compared to the conventional degumming and bleaching process. Analyses of the residual phosphorus and metal contents of all different feedstocks – from (used) cooking oil to animal fats of cat. 1-3, POME and acid oil show that GEA PRE2FUEL achieves better results in terms of phosphorus and metal content.

GEA will highlight its new PRE2FUEL process at this year’s oils + fats / Drinktec exhibition in Munich from 12-16 September, Hall A3 booth 373. GEA separation specialists will be available to explain how to improve HVO pretreatment but also the efficiency and energy footprint of other biofuels and edible oil refining plants.