Development of an Automation System and Commissioning for Ergo's New Containerized Biodiesel Production Process

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Ergo Eco Solutions is a Canadian energy company that is a pioneer in producing, marketing, and sellingbiodiesel. Ergo's biodiesel is a renewable, bio-degradable, and non-toxic fuel derived from 100% recycledwaste cooking oils collected from restaurants on Vancouver Island. Recently, Ergo has expanded collectionoperations and purchased a biodiesel production facility that is a completely self-contained unit that has mostof the processes ready to start production. However, due to the low margins of biodiesel production and sales,it is imperative that the production facility have significant instrumentation and control systems so that it canbe operated with little oversight. Thus, automation systems are not only required but essential. The currentfacility needs to be upgraded and automation systems added as well as commissioned.This collaborative research project with Ergo and Lambton College is to develop an automation system forErgo's new containerized biodiesel production process and commission the unit to be ready for Ergo to increasetheir biodiesel production. The research team will focus on examining existing equipment and determininghow to automate Ergo's system. In addition, building and testing of the automation system to find optimalconditions and set up for high yield biodiesel production ensuring it meets the demands of Ergo and that thesystem is effective for full-scale operation.The successful development of a fully automated, adaptable biodiesel production system that can sustainablyproduce biodiesel will lead to increased revenue and market share in the fuels market. The solution will bedeployed on a commercial scale to sell biodiesel to the whole Vancouver Island. In turn, this will generate 2-3more full-time positions in operation and maintenance and fuel transport for the new production facility. Thiswill also create further economic diversification in the bioeconomy and environmental benefits for Canada.