To invest in the next generation of fuels, Chalmette Refining has retrofitted an out-of-service operating unit known as a hydrocracker with new technology to produce renewable diesel.
They have also constructed a pretreatment unit that allows the creation of non-fossil feedstocks from soybean oil, corn oil and other biogenically derived fats and oils.
These new units have created exciting opportunities for job seekers in Louisiana beyond the traditional oil and gas industry.
Renewable Diesel is a biomass-derived transportation fuel suitable for use in diesel engines.
Renewable diesel is a hydrocarbon and is generally indistinguishable from petroleum diesel and can be used as a direct substitute.
• Other names for renewable diesel (RD) include: Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and advanced biofuel.
• Made primarily from waste and residues, feedstocks include recycled animal fats, used cooking oil, grease, and vegetable oil.
• Production begins with removing impurities from the raw materials, then hydrotreating at a high temperature. The outcome is a colorless and odorless fuel of an even quality that is identical to fossil fuel diesel.
Benefits of Renewable Diesel
• Can be used in existing diesel engines.
• Does not contain oxygen, so there are no cold weather, water attraction, or storage challenges.
• Cleaner-burning, low carbon dioxide fuel that contains no impurities, and produces no odor.