The new lab services also allow AP Innovations to run different tests on biodiesel byproducts such as glycerin.
We are very excited about our new laboratory capabilities, said Steve Danforth, co-owner of AP Innovations. The new laboratory will allow us to test and analyze feedstock free fatty acid content, moisture, solids and unconvertible materials, metals (phosphorous and sulfur), and will allow us to give a fatty acid profile said Danforth. It also allows us to convert samples of feedstock into biodiesel and then evaluate its fuel characteristics, including cold flow properties. And, for biodiesel plant owners who might be contemplating the addition of a new esterification unit, distillation system, purification or pretreatment system such as degumming and/or alkaline refining, we can determine how these processes will perform before the client makes a processing technology or capital investment in them noted Danforth.
Being able to fully identify by-product composition allows us to assist customers in determining what might be necessary to market them said Mike Shook, co-owner.
Obviously, this will allow a plant owner to maximize a second income stream from the plant, which in today’s marketplace is huge said Shook. The new lab services allow the company not only to test new feedstocks, products and processes, but also to separate any problems with exiting feedstocks, products or processes.
This translates into more money for plant owners said Danforth. With algae and the potential for other new feedstocks, we are really excited about our new lab capabilities.
