Rohm and Haas Launches Unique Feedstock Purification Technology for Biodiesel Producers Who Want to Lower Their Costs

Rohm and Haas Company:

Alternative feedstocks can lower costs for biodiesel producers, but they can be difficult to process and convert. To support biodiesel producers who want the flexibility to use alternative feedstocks, Rohm and Haas is introducing its AMBERSEP™ BD19 feedstock purification technology, a pretreatment step specially designed to be used together with its proven AMBERLYST™ BD20 solid esterification catalyst, launched last year. Together, this full system approach is a cost-effective solution to convert all free fatty acids to biodiesel.

"The Biodiesel industry has faced many challenges due to the price volatility of both petroleum oil and traditional feedstocks such as soybean, rapeseed, and palm oils. As a result, many producers want the flexibility of using alternative feedstocks to ensure they have the most competitive cost position,” said Suzanne Carroll, Global Commercial Manager, Rohm and Haas Biodiesel. "Providing technology that accounts for feedstocks with a higher level of free fatty acid and enables efficient conversion of crude vegetable oils, animal fats, jatropha oil, and fatty acid distillates as well as recycled products, such as used cooking oil and trap grease is the ideal solution for the 21^st century.” Carroll adds that many of these alternatives are considered as inedible sources, which some producers may see as an advantage. In addition, AMBERSEP™ BD19 purification technology extends the life of the AMBERLYST™ BD20 catalyst by removing unwanted components from high fatty acid feedstocks prior to esterification and improving the operability of the downstream Biodiesel production process. The AMBERSEP™ BD19 purification technology can complement and, in some cases, replace traditional oil degumming processes.

"As Rohm and Haas celebrates its 100^th anniversary and history of innovation, it is fitting that we are starting the year with the launch of such enabling technology,” added Ms. Carroll.

About Rohm and Haas Biodiesel Solutions

Rohm and Haas is an innovation leader in applying advanced polymer technologies to biodiesel production. Our global team of experts partner with customers on process design and feedstock testing to ensure an optimal solution to meet today’s challenges to produce economical and robust biodiesel products. For more information: www.amberlyst.com/biodieselsolutions.htm

About Rohm and Haas Ion Exchange Resins

For more than 60 years, Rohm and Haas has been a leading developer and manufacturer of premium ion exchange resins, adsorbents and polymeric catalysts. These products are used to purify fluids, isolate and recover active ingredients, and catalyze organic reactions. Rohm and Haas’ extensive know-how in polymer chemistry enables the development of innovative, functionalized polymers servicing a variety of industries and applications including; electrical power generation, semiconductor fabrication, pharmaceutical manufacture and formulations, chemical and petrochemical processing, food and beverage purification, and the production of potable water.

About Rohm and Haas Company

Leading the way since 1909, Rohm and Haas is a global pioneer in the creation and development of innovative technologies and solutions for the specialty materials industry. The company’s technologies are found in a wide range of industries including: Building and Construction, Electronics and Electronic Devices, Household Goods and Personal Care, Packaging and Paper, Transportation, Pharmaceutical and Medical, Water, Food and Food Related, and Industrial Process. Innovative Rohm and Haas technologies and solutions help to improve life every day, around the world. Based in Philadelphia, PA, the company generated annual sales of approximately $8.9 billion in 2007. Visit www.rohmhaas.com for more information. imagine the possibilities™