STTR Phase I: Glycerin Product for Burgeoning Biodiesel Industry

Renewable Alternatives, Llc, Minneapolis MN

Investigators

Abstract

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop biomass-processing technology for converting crude natural glycerin to antifreeze. The rapidly expanding U.S. biodiesel industry collects millions of gallons of crude glycerin per year as a by-product and much of this glycerin is disposed of as waste. The proposed research will allow the conversion of this crude glycerin to a product that can be produced and marketed by these very same biodiesel facilities. The Phase I work is expected to result in an improved understanding of the hydrogenation of glycerin to a propylene-glycol-based antifreeze, and to commercialization of a non-toxic bio-based antifreeze. The commercial application of this project is in the area of biomass processing for production of a valuable consumer product from waste materials.