Production

Glycerin (also called glycerol) is most commonly obtained today as a byproduct of biodiesel production via transesterification of fats and oils. However, it can also be produced petrochemically from propene or by hydrolysis and saponification of fats and oils.

Main methods
of Glycerin Production:

Transesterification (Biodiesel Production):

During the transesterification of fats or oils with methanol, glycerin is formed as a byproduct alongside fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel).

Hydrolysis and Saponification:

Fats and oils can be split into glycerin and fatty acids (or their salts, i.e. soap) through hydrolysis or saponification.

Additional Aspects:

Vegetable vs. Synthetic Glycerin:

Glycerin can be of vegetable origin (e.g. from palm or rapeseed oil) or synthetically produced.

Purification:

Crude glycerin, a byproduct of biodiesel production, undergoes complex purification to achieve various quality grades. Depending on its purity, it can be used for technical, cosmetic, food-grade, or pharmaceutical applications.

Historical Production:

In the past, glycerin was primarily obtained through the saponification of fats and oils during soap production.

Processing Stages:

Extraction:

Glycerin is obtained either through hydrolysis of fats and oils or by synthesis from propene.

Purification and Concentration:

After extraction, glycerin is purified and concentrated using processes such as distillation, evaporation, or refining.

Quality Grades:

Depending on its purity and intended use, glycerin is classified into different quality grades.

Back to Glycerin