SunPine chooses Invensys for biodiesel process simulation in Sweden

London -  Swedish company SunPine AB is to use Invensys simulation software for modeling a new biodiesel refining operation in Piteå, Sweden. The new plant, which is a member of the Solander Science park biofuels collaboration, converts crude biooil byproducts of pine pulping into second-generation biodiesel for shipment to diesel refining facilities.

"Efficient operation of the distillation column is critical to profitability of biodiesel production, impacting cost, output and regulatory compliance. The more accurately we can simulate our operation, the more effectively we can optimise availability and utilisation of the distillation column," said Magnus Wikman, SunPine's acting managing director.

SunPine will employ a patented process to manufacture biodiesel from a main feedstock of crude tall oil (CTO), a byproduct of pine pulping, and combine it with vegetable oils such as Jatropha or castor oils to create crude tall diesel (CTD). With environmental approvals recently in place, the company aims to start initial construction in the summer of 2008, with biodiesel production start planned for October 2009.

"By combining advanced simulation and modeling with its unique biodiesel distillation operation, SunPine AB will be well-equipped to meet cost control, output, and regulatory challenges in this new industry. We are very pleased that they have chosen our PRO/II modeling solution to augment their process," said Joseph McMullen, PRO/II product manager for Invensys.

SunPine is one of 14 Swedish industry, university, research, and government organisations in the Solander Science Park, a network of Swedish companies that are collaborating to advance the pulp mill biofuels concept.