Bio Diesel Process

8/6/2019 Bio Diesel Process

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process

Biodiesel Process instrumentationfor the manufacturing process

INSTRUMENTATIONINSTRUMENTATION


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So make sure you talk to the right supplier from

the very startAs different approaches to the solution can produce good

results, the selection of the ideal measurement procedure

is particularly important in order not only to achieve

reliable measurement, but also to keep operating costs as

low as possible. Is level measurement with radar more

Oils/greases

Methanol

Catalyst Transesterification

Biodiesel

Glycerol

Schematic diagram of materials used and the base products in

biodiesel production

economical than hydrostatic measurement with a

differential pressure transmitter? How reliable are themeasured values obtained in this way?

What are the advantages of each procedure? There

are many examples of questions that highlight how

sensible it is to talk at an early stage to a partner

who has the appropriate expertise in processing and

instrumentation.


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Biodiesel the right measurement technologyfor all stages of the process

We understand your process! Regardless ofwhich stages of your process require instru-

mentation, Siemens has the products to meet

your needs.

Bioethanol

production(schematic diagram)

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Level measurement(radar) usingSITRANS LR

Oil

Catalyst

Methanol

Delivery

Limit level detection (capac-itive) using POINTEK CLS

Level measurement(hydrostatic) usingSITRANS P DS III

Flow measurement(Coriolis) usingSITRANS FC

Vessel weighing usingSIWAREX

Magneto-inductiveflow measurementusing SITRANS FM

Premixing

Flow measurement(Ultrasonic) usingSITRANS FU

Cooling

Truck weighingusing SIWAREX

Oil

Catalyst

Methanol

Manufacture of biodiesel

(continuous process)


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Distillation

Methanol(recycled)

ondenser

Glycerol, waterand surplus methanol

Temperaturemeasurement usingSITRANS T

Flow measurement

with metering orificeusing SITRANS P

Heatingsteam

Vaporizer

Glycerol, water

Transesterification

ixer/Settler

Valve control usingSIPART PS2

Biodiesel

Mixer/Settler

Washing

Valve controlusing SIPART PS2

Flow measurement(Coriolis) usingSITRANS FC

Water

Storage

Level measurement (Ultrasonic)using SITRANS Probe LU

Biodiesel

Washingcolumn

Biodiesel

WastewaterMagneto-inductiveflow measurementusing SITRANS FM

Glycerol filling

Heatingsteam

Vaporizer

Condenser

Glycerol

Level measurement (radar)using SITRANS LR 250

Flow measurement(cylindrical-pistonmeter)using SITRANS FR

Biodiesel

measurementiolis) using SITRANS FC

Valve controlusing SIPART PS2

Limit leveldetection(capacitive)usingPOINTEK CLS

Limit level detection (capacitive)using POINTEK CLS

Column

Level measurement(radar) usingSITRANS LR 250

for furtherprocessing

Temperaturemeasurement usingSITRANS T


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Example of methanol recovery

Valve control

The methanol that remains in the biodiesel is recovered

by a process of rectification and returned to the produc-

tion process either directly or after intermediate storage

in specially provided containers, depending on the manu-

facturing process used. The containers are filled andemptied by opening and closing valves. The valves are

controlled by the SIPART PS2 positioners. Its main task

is to ensure the precise positioning of the valve and to

diagnose immediately any valve faults that may occur.

The electro-pneumatic SIPART PS2 positioners for lifting

and part-turn actuators can be used with valves from al-

most any valve manufacturer. By means of its negligible

internal air consumption and the numerous diagnostics

options for example, with regard to pipe deposits or

wear in the valve seat or cone it contributes to lower

operating costs.

Example of glycerol processing

Temperature

In order to be able to use the raw glycerol in the pharma-

ceutical industry, it must be processed further into purest

glycerol. The procedure to separate the majority of resi-

due in the raw glycerol is partially carried out at high

temperatures. In order to accelerate and optimize thisprocess, the procedure must be kept within a specific

temperature range. To achieve this, the temperature is

measured and then the appropriate amount of heat is fed

to the process.

The temperature is monitored by measuring instruments

from the SITRANS T series that transmit the measured val-

ues quickly and reliably. Thanks to their sophisticated de-

sign detail, they are suitable for even the most difficult

applications in biodiesel plants.

Temperature measurementin a storage container with

SITRANS T

SIPART PS2 positioners in the methanol extraction stage


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Example of glycerol processingLevel

The production of biodiesel can produce considerable

quantities of raw glycerol, depending on the process. This

in turn, contains various other chemicals such as metha-

nol, potassium salts or fatty acids. It is particularly eco-

nomical to separate methanol from the aqueous glycerol

specifically at the point of its production, in order to feed

it in purified form back into the production cycle.

The water is then removed from the glycerol as far as

possible, so that it can be utilized, for example, in thepharmaceutical industry. The glycerol is often stored in

steel or stainless steel containers for this purpose. To

determine the level in these storage tanks, a contactless

method of measurement is particularly suitable, such as

that implemented by the SITRANS LR radar level meter.

Contactless level measurement in

the glycerol processing on a storage

container using SITRANS LR


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Example of transesterificationFlow rate

In a biodiesel production plant specific flow rates must

be maintained at very different positions whether for

dosing the raw materials used or for the exact measure-

ment of the end product for customer billing.

The optimum measuring procedure must be selected in

each case, depending on the medium flowing through

the measuring instrument. To allow optimum trans-

esterification, it is important to keep to exactly the right

amounts of raw material and catalyst. For this reason,

the dosing for the mixing ratio must be extremely pre-

cise. The more accurate the dosing with the calculated

quantities, the better the result. As a number of different

base products are used in the transesterification process,

different measuring procedures are used.

A very precise indication of the quantity of catalyst to be

dosed is delivered by the Coriolis measuring procedure

using a SITRANS FC. This not only determines weight,

but also density which gives precise information on the

volume at the same time. This enables the prescribed

quantities to be dosed for the transesterification allow-

ing the process to be carried out more economically.

Dosing of vegetable oil using SITRANS FU

ultrasonic flowmeter

Flow measurement with SITRANS FC Coriolisflowmeter


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Storage containers of a

biodiesel plant

Example of distillation

Pressure

The glycerol that accumulates during the production pro-

cess still contains constituents of water and methanol.

The proportion of methanol is so high that it makes eco-

nomic sense to separate it from the glycerol. This is done

by distilling the mixture in a column. In its gaseous state,

methanol is explosive. For this reason, the relevant area in

the production plant is designated as a hazardous zone.

All the process instruments installed in the distillation

plant must therefore be designed for hazardous zones

for example, the differential pressure measurement dur-

ing the rectification. The SITRANS P DS III pressure trans-

mitter is the ideal instrument for measuring pressure in

hazardous zones. It has all the necessary certificates,operates extremely reliably and has a host of safety and

diagnostics functions that contribute to a safe and eco-

nomical process.

Differential pressure measurement on a distillation

column using SITRANS P DS III


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Example of the storage of wastewaterLimit level

The water used in the production process becomes so

contaminated in the course of time that it is necessary to

remove it from the production circuit. The water is then

pumped into appropriate wastewater tanks for temporary

storage. To prevent these wastewater tanks from over-

flowing and thus reducing the risk of costly cleanup and

removal operations, a built-in overflow protection device

continuously monitors the level in the wastewater tank

a good solution that is often also a legal requirement.

The device best suited for this task is the Pointek CLScapacitive limit monitor, which reliably indicates whether

the limit has been reached. On contact with the waste-

water, the dielectric on the sensor changes so that the

limit switch reliably signals the attainment of the maxi-

mum level and the operating personnel can initiate the

appropriate measures.

Applications example in auxiliary plants

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Limit level monitoring with Pointek CLS


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The most frequently required measurement in biodiesel produc-

tion plants is the temperature measurement. Here Siemens offers

an extensive range of temperature measuring instruments for

the whole plant, for all typical processes. High-precision, intrinsi-

cally safe and connectable to all established sensor types. Our

SITRANS T temperature measuring series gives you sensors,

transmitters, field and head transmitters individually or as a

complete measuring station.

Measuring instruments for temperature

Remote mounting

possible

3-key operation

Housing made of alumi-

num or stainless steel

IP68

HART, PROFIBUS,

Foundation Fieldbus

For connection head Form B

Galvanically isolated

Diagnostic LED

(green/red/flashing)

Test sockets for multimeters

Wide range of thermo-

elements or resistance

thermometers

Versatile attachment

options

Customized designs

Field transmitter SITRANS TF

SITRANS TH

Sensors

Filling level, pressure, differential pressure and flow: The

SITRANS P pressure measuring instruments cover all these appli-

cations, as they are found everywhere in biodiesel production

plants. We offer the appropriate version for the widest range of

operating conditions. Measurement precision, ruggedness, user-

friendly operation and excellent diagnostic and safety functions:

with these properties, SITRANS P supports a high level of eco-

nomic production.

Measuring instruments for pressure

Stainless steel housing

as standard

Flush-mounted

diaphragm

3-key operation

Extensive diagnostic

functions

HART, PROFIBUS,

Foundation Fieldbus

High precision

Pressure transmittersSITRANS P DS III

SITRANS P 300 pressure transmitter

3-key operation


functions

HART, PROFIBUS,

Foundation Fieldbus

High precision

Measuring cells for critical

media

Selected process instruments for the productionof biodiesel

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Wherever the flow has to be determined in the biodiesel plant, we

have the right solution for every phase of the process from the

raw material to the end product. Our SITRANS F series flowmeters

handle all the measuring methods required for the production of

biodiesel. SITRANS F includes electronic devices with different

measurement principles: magnetic-inductive, ultrasonic or mass

measurement according to the Coriolis method. Mechanical flow-

meters such as rotary piston meters or a measuring orifice in con-

junction with a SITRANS P pressure transmitter complete our range

of devices.

Flowmeters

For liquids, sludge, paste

and pulp


functions

HART and PROFIBUS

NOVOLAK cladding for

extreme requirements

HART and PROFIBUS

For the largest and smallest

flows

High-precision measurement

Multiparameter functionality

(volumes, masses, density,

temperature)

Volume measurement for

sound-transmitting fluids


functions

Approved by Weights and

Measures Office

Magnetic-inductive

SITRANS FM

CoriolisSITRANS FC

UltrasonicSITRANS FU

For applications used in the manufacture of biodiesel, Siemens

offers a perfectly coordinated portfolio of products including

the SITRANS L devices for continuous filling level measurement

and the POINTEK sensors for recording limit levels. We therefore

offer the ideal solution for every application be it ultrasonic or

radar, capacitive, hydrostatic or electromechanical.

Limit and filling level meters

Contactless measurement

For liquids and sludges

For storage tanks

Filling level measurement usingSITRANS LR 250

Ultrasonic

SITRANS Probe LU

Graphic display for im-

proved commissioning

25 GHz technology per-

mits very narrow horn

antennas for small tank

openings

Display for on-site echo

profile

For liquids and sludges

For storage tanks and

process containers

CapacitiveSITRANS LC

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Capacitive, electro-

mechanical or ultrasonic

For liquids, powders, bulk

goods, foams, viscous

media, etc.

Limit level switch

POINTEK

In a biodiesel plant it is necessary to measure weight in various

applications. Using our SIWAREX weighing and dosing systems,

weighing tasks can be integrated into the system easily and

exactly. In addition, the systems are tailor-made for integration

into the SIMATIC world ranging from a SIMATIC controller to

the SIMATIC PCS 7 process control system.

Weighing technology

Six different series to

cover a vast range of

applications

Capable of calibration

High precision

Wide measurement range

up to 280 t

SIWAREXLoad cells

As function modules in

SIMATIC or distributed

via PROFIBUS

Capable of calibration

Extensive application

software

SIWAREX

Electronic weighing systems

SIPART PS is the most widely used intelligent positioner for lift-

ing and part-turn actuators. A biodiesel plant often sources

valves from various different suppliers. Our positioner enables

these to be programmed and operated on a standardized basis.

In addition, its low internal air consumption allows considerable

savings to be made. It will soon be available from stock. The

corresponding installation kits are available for numerous valve

manufacturers. In many cases, the valve can be purchased from

the manufacturer with the SIPART PS2 already fitted.

Positioners

PositionersSIPART PS2

Diverse diagnostic

functions

3-key operation

Plastic, cast aluminum or

stainless steel housing

Negligible air consump-

tion in controlled state

Remote mounting

possible

Selected process instruments for the productionof biodiesel


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Approvals

Various regulations apply in a plant. These state where process instru-ments must possess which specific approvals. In the distillation area,

for example, only devices with hazardous zone approval may be used.

Our process instruments come with all the necessary approvals.

Communication

The process instruments in a biodiesel plant supply their measurement

data to the higher-level controller. This transfer either takes place con-

ventionally via the 4 to 20 mA connection or by means of intelligent

bus connections such as HART, PROFIBUS or Foundation Fieldbus.

Diagnostics

If you are informed at an early stage about maintenance requirements

and process states, you can also initiate the necessary measures promptly

to minimize any damage and consequential costs. For this reason, our

process instruments are equipped with extensive diagnostics options.

These create the conditions for a prompt and correct response.

Parameterization

The Siemens SIMATIC PDM (Process Device Manager) parameterization

software is a standardized software tool for central access to all processdevices in the plant that have communications capability. It permits the

operation, setting, maintenance and diagnostics of the connected

devices, regardless of the manufacturer.

Service

It goes without saying that we offer you first-class servicing for our excel-

lent process instruments: worldwide and 24 hours a day. Our specialists

with their vast expertise and competence in automation and process

engineering are at your service.

Key facts about our process instruments

ATEX

15

PROCESS FIELD BUS


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Siemens AG

Automation and Drives (A&D)

Sensors and Communication

Process Sensors and Analytics

76181 KARLSRUHE

GERMANY

Your Siemens partners worldwide

For further information, see:

www.siemens.com/biodiesel

www.siemens.com/processinstrumentation

www.siemens.com/chemical

The information provided in this brochure contains merely general descrip-

tions or characteristics of performance which in actual case of use do not

always apply as described or which may change as a result of further

development of the products. An obligation to provide the respective

characteristics shall only exist if expressly agreed in the terms of contract.

All product designations may be trademarks or product names of

Siemens AG or supplier companies whose use by third parties for their

own purposes could violate the rights of the owners.

Documents

Bio Diesel Process