What we’re working on now: Cavitational technology Ion exchange resins – purification and acid esterification Glycerin separation from biodiesel Your technology here?

We do science experiments in biodiesel. We do them for ourselves, and now we do them for you. Biodiesel technology is sort of like the wild west. Lots of claims and stories come back from the frontier of an industry that is not yet mature. For Piedmont Biofuels R&D is the continual improvement of all processes related to biodiesel production. This includes, but is not limited to, working with low quality and alternative feedstocks, improving and simplifying quality control testing, developing methods and systems for sidestream management, reducing waste and improving the efficiency of the production process. Our R&D arm harnesses the extensive experience of Piedmont Biofuels staff in an effort to prove innovative ideas relating to biodiesel production, testing, and distribution. Because we require testing and R&D on-site, we have the experience, and staff, and equipment to not only test and develop our own process, but also to work with others interested in testing their products and ideas. Vendors seeking to enter the biodiesel industry often tap us for our experience and expertise. Here are the services we provide: Sample Testing Consulting Product Testing and Development Industry and University Partnerships

Sample testing:

Running an effective biodiesel plant means catching problems before they arise. Sample testing is the key to assuring that you send only on spec fuel into the world. In addition to large producers, our services are also useful for small producers who want more data than you can get at home or researchers who want his/her samples professionally tested.

We currently test feedstock for the free fatty acid content and moisture.

We currently test finished fuel for Acid Value, Soap, Total and Free Glycerin, Flashpoint, Moisture, and Water and Sediment all following the most current ASTM procedures. We provide a wide array of other tests, like flashpoint testing on glycerin, viscosity, gel point, and others.

We can also rig up other tests on demand. Look here for more information on our laboratory and testing capabilities.
Product testing and development:

Piedmont Biofuels has years of experience testing new ideas as they pass into the world of biodiesel. We have built dozens of reactors from scratch, and we built our current 1,000,000 gallon/year facility ourselves. That sometimes makes us look like idiots, and sometimes makes us look like geniuses. We might be able to help you determine which category you fall into faster.

Because many people enter the biofuels industry without a full understanding, it’s critically important to fully evaluate your idea or product before spending the money on design, pilot plants, marketing and branding. We are capable of consulting to assure you have a valuable product, and if so we’re also ready to help design and scale your product to the needs of the market.

That’s a fancy way of saying that we can save you a lot of money if you are entering the biodiesel industry. For every hundred dollars you blow on us, we will save you thousands on bad ideas. That’s guaranteed.

Industry partnerships with universities, other companies:

As an experienced biodiesel producer, we are well positioned to act as industry partners on grant funded research, and we’ve won a couple hundred thousand in grants ourselves. We have staff with experience in policy, distribution and marketing, testing, production, research, and most importantly in how to get things done. Because we are always involved in education and outreach, we are well known and well respected in the biofuels grant writing community.

Consulting:

If you’re thinking about starting a biodiesel plant, investing in the business of biodiesel, or using biodiesel in your fleet, Piedmont Biofuels can save you time and money from the start by cluing you in to what you can expect to see one month, six months, and one year down the road. Investing in our knowledge first makes for more well planned, faster, and ultimately more effective decisions later.

If you want to consult about the biodiesel business, email lyle@biofuels.coop. If you want to consult about the science of biodiesel production, or have a new idea you would like to bring to market, email greg@biofuels.coop for more info, or give us a call at 919-321-8260