Why BioPro?

Why BioPro? The Benefits of Making Biodiesel in a BioPro Processor

If a business or institution makes biodiesel using Springboard Biodiesel equipment AND can collect used cooking oil for free, that entity will make a clean burning diesel replacement fuel for approximately $1.15/gallon – give or take 15 cents depending on where you live – is the cost of all the other inputs required, including electricity, to make one gallon of fuel in a BioPro.
According to The California Air Resources board, if you make biodiesel out of collected waste cooking oil, it emits 90% less CO₂ and approximately 50% less particulate matter than regular diesel in its life cycle of production [Evaluation of biodiesel, CA Air Resources Board ].
Biodiesel can be made from any vegetable or animal oil. Most BioPro™ owners convert used cooking oil, however, we do have a growing base of farmers who are converting everything from sunflower and canola oil to liquefied pork fat. More feed stock sources continue to emerge.
Biodiesel will run in any diesel engine without the need to convert your engine. If you have a newer model engine that uses diesel particulate filter (DPF) technology, and you are leery of OEM positions on recommended blends, you may want to mix your biodiesel with more diesel (approximately 20% bio mixed with 80% diesel) until you decide to experiment with higher blends.
Biodiesel is better for the life of your engines. It has superior lubricity than regular diesel and will create less wear in an engine (particularly significant when compared with ultra-low sulfur diesel.)
Biodiesel will mix, at any ratio, with diesel, so it can be blended and used in conjunction with diesel.
Biodiesel made locally on domestic soil reduces dependence on imported oil.

BioPro distinguishers:

These machines are automated and easy to operate.
They are designed to produce fuel for many years: 20+ years minimum if treated well.
They are safe.
They make biodiesel for the lowest possible cost – approximately $US 1.15 per gallon + the cost of your feed stock oil.
They conduct a two-step reaction (an acid reaction followed by a base reaction) allowing them to convert dirtier oils than other reactors that only perform a base reaction.
The BioPros™ make ASTM D6751 grade biodiesel fuel consistently from any feedstock oil that is 5% in free fatty acids (FFA) or less.
There is a set recipe for making biodiesel in a BioPro, therefore, you do not have to titrate before each batch. This saves time.
They have a small footprint and can fit nearly anywhere.
We have been making these units since 2008 years and we offer excellent support. We have units in operation in 37 countries and in all 50 states and some of our customers include the US military, 101 universities, the Florida National Guard, a long list of restaurants, municipalities and food producers. See case study links below.
Economics: How much oil can you collect? Note that the BioPro 380 EX working with the SpringPro T76 can produce 275 gallons or 1039 liters per day.

Notable customers

The United States Military: operates two BioPro 380EXs and one SpringFlow T76
Florida National Guard at Camp Blanding: operates a BioPro™ 190
Sara Lee Corporation: operates a BioPro™ 190
Toyota, Inc. Manufacturing facility in Huntsville, AL: operates a BioPro 190
Federal Bureau of Prisons, MD, IL, and IN: using BioPro™ 190, 380EX x 2 and a T76
The Brookfields Restaurants of Sacramento: operates a BioPro™ 190
Chinese Ministry of Agriculture: using two (2) BioPro™ 380s
Petroleum Corp. of Jamaica: operates a BioPro™ 190EX.
Cotton, Inc.: tests cottonseed oils in their BioPro™ 190
Alachua County, FL: using a BioPro™ 190 for Muni fleet
Daphne Alabama Utilities: BioPro 190
Sierra Nevada Brewery: operates a BioPro™ 190
Petro Pontiac: using a BioPro™380EX to make and sell B-100
Borough of Norwood, NJ: using a BioPro™ 190 & SpringPro™ T76
Bentley Biofuels: using a BioPro™ 190EX
Alabama Inst. of Deaf & Blind: using a BioPro™ 380EX and SpringPro™T76
101 US colleges and universities: currently operating at least one BioPro™

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Frequently asked questions

Who uses BioPro biodiesel processors?

BioPro processors are in operation in all 50 U.S. states and 37 countries. Users include the U.S. military, the Florida National Guard at Camp Blanding, more than 100 colleges and universities, federal prisons, municipalities such as Alachua County, Florida, and food and beverage producers including Sara Lee and Sierra Nevada Brewery.

Farmers, restaurants, utilities and a Toyota manufacturing facility also run BioPros, most commonly converting used cooking oil into fuel for their own vehicles and equipment.

How long does a BioPro biodiesel processor last?

BioPro processors are designed to produce fuel for 20 years or more if treated well. They are built for long service, with stainless steel construction and a two-step reaction process that tolerates a wide range of oils.

Springboard Biodiesel has been building BioPros since 2008 and provides ongoing owner support. Regular maintenance and proper storage when the machine is idle help it reach that service life.

Should I run B100 or a B20 blend in a newer diesel engine with a DPF?

If you have a newer engine with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and are uncertain about the manufacturer’s recommended blend, start with about 20% biodiesel mixed with 80% diesel (B20). You can move to higher blends later once you are comfortable.

Biodiesel mixes with diesel at any ratio and requires no engine conversion, so blending is simple to do at the tank.

How much biodiesel can a BioPro 380EX with a SpringPro T76 produce per day?

A BioPro 380EX working with a SpringPro T76 dry-wash system can produce about 275 gallons (1,039 liters) of biodiesel per day. The T76 purifies raw fuel much faster than a water wash, which lets the reactor start new batches sooner.

In practice, output is limited by how much feedstock oil you can collect, so estimate your oil supply before sizing a system.

How do I choose between a BioPro 190 and a BioPro 380?

Start with how much feedstock oil you can reliably collect. The BioPro 190 makes a 50-gallon batch every 48 hours (23 hours for the 190EX), while the BioPro 380 makes a 100-gallon batch every 48 hours (23 hours for the 380EX).

Also consider site requirements: the 190 runs on standard 115V power and has a small footprint, while the 380 needs a 230V circuit and more floor space. Operations with large oil supplies can add a SpringPro T76 dry-wash system to increase daily output.