IOC develops technology for co-processing non-edible oils in its refinery

Also develops a process for de-metallization and de-gumming of vegetable oils

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has successfully developed and commercialised a technology to co-process non-edible vegetable oil in the existing diesel hydrotreating (DHDT) units of a petroleum refinery to make bio-diesel.

According to the company, this is probably the first time in the world when Jatropha oil has been used for co-processing in a petroleum refinery. This technology for co-processing of Jatropha oil has been developed by the research and development centre of IOC located at Faridabad.

“During the development of this process technology, Indian Oil also developed a process for de-metallization and de-gumming of vegetable oils. It may be noted that de-metallation of oils is a pre-requisite for co-processing since metals are poisonous for the catalyst in the DHDT unit,” an IOC statement said.

A total quantity of 200 tonne of Jatropha oil was supplied by CREDA Biofuels Ltd (A JV of Indian Oil and Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Authority).  This oil was used for de-metallization and de-gumming using IOC-R&D developed process and subsequently co-processed in the Chennai Petroleum Corporation (CPCL) Refinery at Manali.