From waste to fuel: how used oil is transformed into biodiesel
Used cooking oil (UCO) is one of the most popular wastes in households, restaurants and industrial canteens. However, it is not a simple waste, as it is a valuable raw material in the production of advanced biofuels such as biodiesel. At BV-Oils we have been working for years in the supply of UCO and RUCO (regenerated used cooking oil), as well as in technical advice to convert this waste into clean and sustainable energy.
Collection and sorting
It all starts with the collection of used oil at specific points: restaurants, food production centers or waste treatment plants. The oil is stored in special tanks and transported to pre-treatment or biodiesel production plants. It is necessary to ensure that the UCO is free of contaminants such as water, organic residues or mineral oils.
Pretreatment: cleaning and stabilization
Once in the plant, the oil goes through a process of filtration, dehydration and neutralization. Impurities, moisture and solids are removed, and its acidity is established to guarantee a stable raw material. In the case of RUCO, the oil has been previously regenerated with specific disinfection processes that allow it to be reused as a high quality energy input.
Transesterification: the heart of the process
The cleaned oil enters the chemical process of transesterification. It is mixed with an alcohol and a catalyst. This reaction separates the triglycerides from the oil into methyl esters (biodiesel) and glycerin as a by-product. The biodiesel obtained complies with the EN14214 standard, guaranteeing its quality and compatibility with traditional diesel engines.
Sustainable value
This process not only avoids the environmental pollution that would be generated by dumping used oil, but also helps to produce a renewed fuel, with a reduction of up to 90% of CO₂ emissions with respect to fossil diesel.
At BV-Oils, we promote a circular and efficient energy model, transforming waste into opportunities for cleaner and more responsible mobility.