In December 2011, Australian Renewable Fuels Limited plant at Largs Bay in South Australia sustained damage to the loading bay and several storage tanks.
Lycopodium was engaged to evaluate the damaged plant and produce a repair works schedule and cost estimate. The client’s insurer supported the engagement of Lycopodium to project manage the rebuild project which commenced in May 2012. The scope included process, mechanical, electrical, structural and civil engineering works.
The rebuild program at the Largs Bay plant was completed on time and under budget and biodiesel production recommenced on schedule in November 2012.
In November 2011 Australian Renewable Fuels acquired Biodiesel Producers Limited for whom Lycopodium had provided EPCM services for the delivery of the plant, site services and infrastructure at the Barnawartha site in Victoria in 2004/5. That project required the integration of an Austrian technology package into the Australian design context.
Biodiesel is produced from renewable plant or animal fat feedstocks utilising a process called transesterification. This base-catalysed reaction with alcohol forms biodiesel and a by-product called glycerol which is typically used in the pharmaceutical industry. Biodiesel can be used in pure form (B100) or is commonly blended with petroleum sourced diesel to form B5 (5% biodiesel) or B20 (20% biodiesel) fuel blends.
