Abstract:
Biodiesel is one of the alternative energy sources that replace diesel fuel. In addition to
biodiesel as the main product, the triglyceride-alcohol transesterification reaction produces a
by-product in the form of glycerol. Glycerol is still less processed so that it has a low selling
value, therefore it needs to be processed to become a high-value product. Triacetin is one of
the by-products of glycerol. Triacetin has many benefits in various industries, both food and
non-food. In addition, triacetin is also used as an aroma enhancer, plasticizer, solvent, and fuel
additive to reduce engine knocking which results in a higher octane value. In Indonesia, there
is no triacetin producer, hence the production and export value of triacetin is completely absent.
This triacetin plant is designed with a capacity of 150,000 tons per year. The raw materials
used to produce triacetin are glycerol and acetic acid. With the addition of a solid catalyst,
amberlyst-15. This plant will be established in 2028 located in Industrial Estate, Pelintung,
Medang Kampai, Dumai City, Riau which is operated continuously. The triacetin production
process in this plant has three main stages, namely glycerol purification, esterification and
product purification. For the glycerol purification stage, crude glycerol is separated from water
using a flash separator at 130
o
C and 1 atm pressure. Then glycerol with a purity of 96% is
stored in a glycerol storage tank. The esterification reaction was carried out in a multitube
fixed bed reactor at 105
o
C and 1 atm pressure. Furthermore, triacetin was separated from
water as a by-product using a decanter at 30
o
C and 1 atm pressure. The 99% purity of triacetin
is stored in the product holding tank. Utilities required include water, electricity, and diesel
fuel. The water used in the utility unit comes from river water around the factory. Which consists
of 1,610.24 kg/hour for start-up needs and 1,094.77 kg/hour for continuous needs. Electricity
needs come from PLN amounting to 4,786.91 kWh. Then, diesel fuel needs are obtained from
PT Pertamina amounting to 4,405.08 liters/day. The legal form of this company is a Limited
