First-generation biofuels

Biodiesel production: Esterfip

IFP has been working in this field since 1980, with, in particular, the development of the Esterfip^TM process that produces biodiesel from rapeseed oil and methanol by homogeneous catalysis.

Since then, IFP has developed a new biodiesel production process based on heterogeneous catalysis: Esterfip-H^TM . This new generation leads to improved performance, no waste, and a high-grade by-product (glycerin). In 2006, the Esterfip-H^TM process was implemented by Sofiproteol in Sète, representing an industrial first worldwide.

The Esterfip-H^TM process has been commercialized by Axens. It was first used in an industrial context in 2006, by Sofiproteol in Sète.

R&D work carried out in 2008 concerned the development of a new, more active and more selective catalyst making it possible to reduce transformation costs and increase the flexibility of the feeds to be treated. Of particular note was the validation of the transesterification of Jatropha oil; the plant grows on so-called marginal land and so does not compete with food agriculture.

Direct hydrotreatment of vegetable oils

In addition, a process for the direct hydrotreatment of vegetable oils is set to be taken to market in 2009 by IFP Group. The cost of treatment is slightly higher than that associated with Esterfip^TM-type processes but direct hydrotreatment makes it possible to obtain middle distillates of a very high quality; in particular, kerosenes with very good low-temperature properties can be produced. Esterfip-H^TM and direct hydrotreatment therefore represent two complementary segments in the biodistillates market.

+ Industrial development > IFP's offer in biofuels

+ Information/Publications > Panorama 2007 technical reports: "What future and what role for biofuels?"

+ Specific issue: IFP and biofuels