Elite Octane’s ethanol facility boosts efficiency with ICM’s FOT oil recovery system

ICM, Inc., a leading provider of biorefining technologies, has successfully commissioned its cutting-edge FOT Oil Recovery system at Elite Octane, LLC’s ethanol production facility in Atlantic, Iowa. The installation, which is now fully operational, has surpassed projected oil recovery and performance benchmarks, solidifying its impact in the industry.

ICM’s FOT Technology Gains Traction

The Elite Octane plant, operational since 2018 and producing over 150 million gallons of ethanol per year, is the first facility to implement ICM’s FOT Oil Recovery system as a standalone technology. It now joins seven other facilities either using or constructing this system, reflecting its increasing adoption across the sector. The project, executed through a turnkey EPC agreement signed last year, is delivering significant benefits, including enhanced distillers corn oil (DCO) recovery through improved separation techniques. This technology reduces the fat content in the wet cake, contributing to overall plant efficiency.

Industry-Leading Testing and Validation

Shaun Hubler, ICM’s Director of Technology Commercialization, highlighted the rigorous validation process that supports the FOT system’s success. He noted that extensive trailer testing was conducted on-site at over 20 commercial facilities before installation at Elite Octane. Hubler emphasized that these comprehensive tests establish a benchmark for industry standards and demonstrate ICM’s commitment to excellence, boosting confidence in the system’s performance across different ethanol plants.

Elite Octane’s Strategic Decision Pays Off

Nick Bowdish, President and CEO of Elite Octane, reflected on the decision to implement the technology, acknowledging the risk involved in being the first facility to deploy it at full scale. However, he expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, pointing out that the plant’s corn oil extraction rate now exceeds 1.35 pounds per bushel, a performance level that strengthens the facility’s margin structure. Bowdish credited the on-site trailer testing as a critical factor in validating the technology, ensuring seamless collaboration between teams during project execution.

Proprietary Technology Enhances Efficiency

The FOT Oil Recovery system’s proprietary two-part separation process is designed to optimize the feed to the evaporator, producing a drier wet cake. This results in enhanced energy efficiency and reduced operational costs, translating into improved overall plant performance. ICM’s advanced solution exemplifies the company’s dedication to delivering innovative technologies that benefit the agriculture and renewable energy sectors.

ICM and Elite Octane: Leaders in Ethanol Innovation

ICM, established in 1995 and headquartered in Colwich, Kansas, has become a global leader in biorefining technologies. With operations in Brazil and a reach spanning over 110 facilities worldwide, the company’s technologies contribute to an annual ethanol production of approximately 8.8 billion gallons and 25 million tons of distillers grains. Meanwhile, Elite Octane, operational since July 2018, has a capacity of over 150 million gallons of ethanol per year. The facility supports local farmers, boosts cash corn and land values, and provides 53 jobs, underscoring its positive economic impact.

Expert Insight: Renewable Energy Advancements

Industry experts highlight the strategic move by ICM and Elite Octane as a pivotal development in the ethanol sector. The integration of advanced oil recovery systems aligns with the broader goals of enhancing renewable energy efficiency and maximizing output, setting a new standard for biorefining processes.