Bio-additive could replace lube petroleum


A new bio-synthetic fuel plant goes onstream.

California-based Biosynthetic Technologies are partnering Albemarle using their existing Baton Rouge facility to produce the biosynthetic oil, known as Estolides.  The plant is initially a pilot and development site, but the consortium is confident of moving on to industrial-scale production.

The oil is a bio-based “drop-in” synthetic alternative to the petroleum currently used in motor oils and industrial lubricants and, according to the independent producers, could dramatically reduce

The trial production will use a low-cost continuous-flow manufacturing process. The company plans to develop a full-scale commercial production plant although the location has not yet been chosen.