The recycling of used cooking oil has become an increasingly important practice for companies aiming to reduce environmental impact and efficiently utilize available resources. UCO (used cooking oil) is seen as a key raw material for producing biofuels such as biodiesel or hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO), in line with European regulations on energy sustainability.
With the help of mechanical separation technology from Flottweg, specifically the Tricanter® centrifuges, companies can filter, separate, and refine used oil through a fully automated, precise, and economical process. The performance achieved with these machines is impressive: the purity of the processed oil exceeds 98.5% Vol, with solids content below 0.15% Vol and water under 1.5% Vol. Below, you’ll find detailed insight into how this process works, what equipment can be used, and what real advantages it brings to operators in industries such as HoReCa, waste collection and processing, or biofuel production.
From waste to resource: Used oil, the fuel of the future
Used cooking oil, originating from restaurants, catering units, and households, is a valuable resource for the production of biofuels. These alternatives help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
In the European Union, the use of UCO for biodiesel production is encouraged through directives like the Renewable Energy Directive II, which promotes the use of waste-derived raw materials to meet renewable energy targets. The EN 14214 standard regulates the quality of the produced biodiesel, ensuring compatibility with diesel engines and protecting the environment.
Flottweg equipment: efficiency in used oil processing
Flottweg, a leader in mechanical separation technology, offers solutions for processing used cooking oil. The Tricanter® centrifuge allows for the simultaneous separation of oil, water, and solids in a single step, ensuring high purity of the final product.
The process involves heating the used oil to the optimal temperature, followed by feeding it into the Tricanter®. Here, centrifugal force separates the three phases: clean oil, water, and solids. For further purification, a Flottweg separator can be used to remove remaining fine particles, thus obtaining a high-quality oil, ready for conversion into biodiesel or HVO.
What are the benefits of using modern equipment for used oil processing?
Implementing Flottweg technology in used oil processing brings numerous advantages:
- Operational efficiency: Continuous, automated process with low energy consumption.
- Quality: Obtaining clean oil that meets EN 14214 standards, with purity >98.5% Vol and water content <1.5% Vol – ideal for biofuel production.
- Sustainability: Waste and CO₂ emissions reduction, contributing to environmental protection.
- Compliance: Adherence to European regulations on waste recycling and its use for energy purposes.
Full support for our partners
Together with Flottweg, we can support you with both cutting-edge equipment and services tailored to each product:
- Technical consulting and audit: Assessing specific needs and recommending optimal solutions.
- Pilot testing: The possibility to test equipment in real conditions to ensure compatibility with existing processes.
- After-sales support: Maintenance services, spare parts, and ongoing technical assistance.
If you’re interested in turning used cooking oil into a valuable resource and contributing to a greener future, our team is ready to offer solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us for a free audit and find out how Flottweg technology can optimize your company’s processes.
