The Scale up of Biodiesel Production Facility with Reduced Carbon Intensity Project expanded nameplate production capacity at the New Leaf Biofuel, LLC facility from 1.5 million to 5.0 million gallons per year; reduced the carbon intensity of the biodiesel from 11.76 to 10.44 grams carbon dioxide equivalent/megajoule; and increased the refining capacity of co-products.
The Project was executed in two phases. Phase 1 included purchase and installation of three processing tanks, centrifuges, pumps, heating and cooling elements, and other plant support equipment to increase production capacity. Phase 1 also included replacement of one 1991 and one 1985 Class 7 truck, with new 2013 and 2014 vehicles, for additional feedstock collection. Phase 2 included purchase and installation of equipment needed to reduce the carbon intensity of the fuel produced at the biodiesel facility. Equipment purchased and installed included upgrades to a distillation column at a partner industrial facility, to enable distillation of wet methanol from the facility. Phase 2 also included installation of various plant efficiency improvement measures including variable frequency drives, upgraded control software, piping insulation, a new energy efficient boiler, and centrifuge upgrades. Finally, Phase 2 also included upgrades to the facility’s existing fuel transport, and delivery systems, and to existing feedstock collection and management practices.
New Leaf Biofuel, LLC increased the production of biodiesel at its San Diego plant and reduced the carbon intensity of the fuel by cogeneration and distillation of methanol.
