MU Research Can Up Value for Biodiesel Byproduct Glycerine
Improved Process for Converting Glycerine to New Uses Honored by NBB, SDA at AOCS Meeting

ST. LOUIS, Mo.–A group of chemical engineers from the University of Missouri has received the 2006 Glycerine Innovation Award from The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) and the National Biodiesel Board (NBB).

Dr. Galen Suppes, an associate professor at the University’s College of Engineering in Columbia, and his research team were honored at the 97th Annual Meeting of the American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS) in St. Louis last night.

The award recognizes outstanding achievement for research into new applications for glycerine with particular emphasis on commercial viability. The fourth annual award, consisting of a $5,000 honorarium and a plaque, was presented at a dinner meeting of the AOCS Industrial Oil Products Division.

Dr. Suppes’ research team included Dr. Mohan Dasari, Chuang-Wei Chiu, and Dr. William R. Sutterlin. They received the Innovation Award for their research into technologies that convert natural glycerine, derived from conventional biodiesel production, into propylene glycol that can be used to make antifreeze and other products.

This is important to the biodiesel industry because glycerin is ten percent of what is produced in biodiesel production. With low glycerin prices, new uses are needed to add value, and to open up new markets for this byproduct of biodiesel production.

“Higher value glycerin uses would help both the new biodiesel businesses – who are looking at the economics associated with glycerine - and the existing oleochemical businesses who produce glycerine for detergents and soaps,” said Steve Howell, Technical Director of NBB. “That’s why research like that of Dr. Suppes and his team is so important. We’re very pleased to be working with SDA on this award, to help honor them.”

The propylene glycol developed from the research is a bio-based, non-toxic and renewable alternative to petroleum-based propylene and ethylene glycols. The product, currently licensed for commercialization, has the capability to meet additional market growth demands of propylene glycol, which is about 150 million pounds per year, globally.

Dr. Suppes gave the award address during the AOCS meeting, held April 30-May 3, entitled “Improved Process for Converting Glycerine to Propylene Glycol.”

This year marks the first time the Glycerine Innovation Award was sponsored jointly by SDA and NBB. Past winners of the award can be viewed online at www.cleaning101.com/oleo.

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