Biodiesel As A Product
In 2000, biodiesel became the only alternative fuel in the United States to have successfully completed the EPA-required Tier I and Tier II health effects testing under the Clean Air Act. These independent tests conclusively demonstrated biodiesel’s significant reduction of virtually all regulated emissions, and showed that biodiesel does not pose a threat to human health.
Biodiesel contains virtually no sulfur or aromatic compounds, and the use of biodiesel in a conventional diesel engine results in the substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter when compared to petroleum diesel. A U.S. Department of Energy study showed that the production and use of biodiesel resulted in a 78.5% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
Biodiesel has a positive energy balance. For every unit of energy needed to produce a gallon of biodiesel, at least 4.5 units of energy are gained. This takes into account the planting, harvesting, fuel production and fuel transportation to the end user.
Biodiesel is as biodegradable in the environment as sugar.
Production Processes—Environmental Benefits
Current state-of-the-art and best available technologies are being used in the KIMMINIC production processes. The results are reduced energy consumption, efficient raw materials conversion, and the elimination of wastewater.
The KIMMINIC biodiesel refining plant utilizes a proprietary hydrodynamic cavitation technology that facilitates a near instantaneous reaction and reduced energy and methanol consumption.
KIMMINIC's development plan includes facilities for on-site electrical energy generation using Jatropha plant residues as the fuel.
There are no waste materials from our Jatropha value chain. The spent seed cake is used on the plantations as an organic fertilizer with the surplus being sold into local and international fertilizer markets. The soap stock and glycerol by-products from the biodiesel refinery have both local and regional market demand.
The company has completed two Environmental Impact Assessment Reports which have resulted in the issuance of construction and operating permits.
