Renewable fuel filtration systems must handle increasingly challenging feedstocks, including used cooking oil (UCO) and animal fats. As contamination levels rise, producers may experience shorter filter life, more frequent changeouts and increased operating costs.
A renewable fuel facility in Brazil partnered with Pall to evaluate filtration technologies designed to improve campaign life, maintain product quality and support more reliable operations.
Download the full case study to see the complete trial results and performance data.
Why Is Filtration Challenging in Renewable Fuel Production?
As renewable fuel producers process greater volumes of alternative feedstocks, contamination levels can place additional strain on filtration systems.
Common operational challenges can include:
- Frequent filter changeouts
- Rising consumable costs
- Increased maintenance requirements
- Inconsistent filter campaign life
- Product quality concerns
- Operational disruption caused by unplanned interventions
At the Brazilian renewable fuel facility featured in this case study, contamination levels associated with renewable feedstocks were overwhelming the existing filtration system. Under high-load conditions, filter campaigns lasted an average of just eight hours, requiring multiple filter changeouts every day.
The site's engineering team sought a more reliable filtration solution capable of supporting longer campaign life while maintaining outlet contamination below the site's required specification.
How Did Pall Help Address These Challenges?
Pall conducted a structured field trial to evaluate High Flow Vector pre-filtration and SUPRAdisc™ II polishing filtration technologies against the incumbent filtration system. The trial was performed in parallel with the existing equipment, enabling direct performance comparison.
High Flow Vector Pre-Filtration
High Flow Vector filter elements are designed with patented pleat geometry that provides increased filtration surface area and promotes uniform flow distribution across the media. This helps maximise dirt-holding capacity and support longer operating campaigns.
SUPRAdisc II Polishing Filtration
SUPRAdisc II combines depth filtration media with a robust dual-drainage plate construction. The design includes backwash capability, which can help support longer filter operating campaigns compared with replacement-only approaches.
What Results Were Achieved?
The field trial demonstrated measurable improvements in filtration performance.
Key Outcomes
- Filter campaign life increased from approximately 8 hours to more than 4 days under the trial conditions.
- Up to 75% reduction in filter changeout frequency compared with the previous approach.
- Outlet contamination remained consistently below 3.5 ppm during the trial.
- Outlet contamination remained within the site's required product specification.
- Filter elements showed no structural damage after four days of operation.
Performance at a Glance
| Metric | Previous Approach | Pall Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Campaign Life | Approximately 8 hours at high load | More than 4 days |
| Backwash Capability | Not supported | Supported up to 1 bar |
| Outlet Contamination | Frequent limit exceedances | Consistently below 3.5 ppm during the trial |
| Element Condition | Fully saturated within one shift | No damage after four days |
How Could Longer Filter Campaigns Benefit Renewable Fuel Operations?
Longer filter campaigns can help reduce the frequency of filter changeouts, lower consumable usage and reduce the operational burden associated with maintenance activities.
For renewable fuel producers seeking to improve filtration efficiency, understanding how filtration technologies perform under real-world operating conditions can provide valuable insight into opportunities for process optimisation.
See how a renewable fuel producer evaluated High Flow Vector and SUPRAdisc II filtration technologies to address contamination challenges, extend filter campaign life and improve operational performance.
Learn more about the solution that can support your applications or contact an expert today.
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