Turn Glycerin into Profit

With the rise in renewable fuel production over the years, particularly biodiesel, comes an overabundance of off-grade glycerin. This type of glycerin, also referred to as “crude glycerin” is a byproduct of biodiesel and is about 80% pure. It accounts for one-tenth of every gallon of biodiesel produced. While the demand for glycerin in general has remained stable, the oversupply
within the global market has created volatile pricing throughout the industry. The abundant supply of crude glycerin is a direct result of the increase in biodiesel production and without refinement, this impure form of glycerin must either be disposed of in a certain amount of time, according to the EPA, or it is sold off to market for a minimal amount due to the water, methanol, and salt content.

The current price volatility of glycerin, primarily brought on by biodiesel production, has resulted in tremendous changes in the glycerin refining sector. The demand for refined glycerin, technical grade and higher, has risen and is starting to stabilize. It is for this reason that we at SRS Engineering have focused much of our attention on glycerin refinement, helping biodiesel plants turn a stronger profit with their finished glycerin, thus avoiding high disposal fees or minimal returns from their crude glycerin. By further refining the glycerin to a >97% purity range, plants can now
sell off their glycerin for a much higher return and create a new profit center for their plant.

Disposing of crude glycerin can not only be costly but wasteful. Why not utilize all of your glycerin and turn a profit rather than paying high disposal fees or accept minimal payment for it? Incorporating SRS' high-purity glycerin purification system  into your plant, can do just that. Because the  system produces high-purity glycerin in high yield, there is no need for disposal of your glycerin since it now meets technical grade glycerin standards and can be sold to market for a higher profit. The system will actually take your crude glycerin with an approximate purity rating of 80% to a technical grade glycerin of >97%.

Technical grade glycerin provides multiple advantages to the biodiesel plant owner by:

• Eliminatingthe high cost of toxic waste disposal or if selling the glycerin, increasing the value of the end product (now a technical grade rather than crude)
• Freeingthe plant owner of potential EPA issues
• Creatinga new profit center for the plant

Glycerin in Biodiesel

Glycerin naturally occurs during the biodiesel production process and is specifically produced in the transesterification process. The glycerin produced at this stage is crude glycerin and is about 80% pure still containing contaminants like soap, methanol and water. In order to turn this crude glycerin into a usable state for existing or emerging uses, a purification process must take place. During this refinement process residual organic matter, water, salt, methanol, and odors are removed.   There are many different types of glycerin grades ranging from crude glycerin to refined glycerin (pharmaceutical grade).

Other names for glycerin:

 

· glycerol	· 1,2,3-trihydroxypropane
· glycerine	· glyceritol
· propane-1,2,3-triol	· glycyl alcohol
· 1,2,3-propanetriol

Purification process of glycerol

The by-product glycerol is obtained by transesterification of oils and fats. It contains alkali catalysts, soap produced by side reactions, a small amount of unreacted oils and unsteamed methanol, and a small amount of protein, hydrocarbons, pigments, precipitates and water,In order to get refined glycerol, we must firstly purify and separate the above impurities.

• Acid treating

With the addition of solvent and inorganic acid solution in the crude glycerol sample, the pH value of the solution is adjusted to acidity, heated and stirred, and the base catalyst is neutralized, and the soap is converted to fatty acid to remove it on the liquid surface, and the inorganic acid can be used as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid. The solvent can be used in methanol and water. By measuring the glycerol content in the lower solution after acid treatment, the recovery rate of acid treated glycerin was calculated.

• Degumming

After the acid treatment, the sodium soap is basically converted into fatty acid statically delamination, and the unreacted sodium soap may still exist in the glycerol sample, adding flocculants, a small amount of colloid dispersed soap and other charged impurities to produce electric neutralization and sink under the action of the flocculant metal ions. The commonly used degumming reagents are aluminum sulfate and FeCl3.

• Alkali neutralization

The acid filtrate obtained by the degumming filter contains an excess of FeCl3, and the corrosion of the evaporator is reduced by alkali treatment and acid, and the FeCl3 is converted to Fe (OH) 3 precipitation, and the impurities are adsorbed and removed by filtration. At the same time, there may be fatty acids without separation after acid treatment, and can be fixed in soap form by neutralization to prevent fatty acids from evaporating with glycerin in the distillation process, affecting the quality of glycerol. The amount of lye added to the neutralization process has a great relationship with glycerol quality, recovery rate and evaporation operation. The amount of alkali is too little, and the glycerol is easily dehydrated to produce acryl alcohol or acrolein (ketone) intermediate under acidic condition. The fatty acid can not be fixed in the form of soap. The distillation process is produced with glycerol, causing the loss of glycerol and the decrease of the quality；With excessive alkali, glycerin is easy to polymerized. When evaporating water, it is easy to produce foam, which is easy to run and cause extra glycerol loss and reduce the yield.

• Glycerol concentration and filtration desalination

After neutralization, the crude glycerol was distilled to 110 degrees, evaporated to remove water and filtered to remove the salt.

• Refining of glycerol

Different refining methods can be used according to the different uses of glycerol and the different economic consumption in the production process. In general, distillation, decolorization, distillation, decolorization and ion exchange are used. The glycerol obtained from distillation and decolorization is mainly industrial glycerin. If glycerol is used as a special purpose, such as medicinal and edible, no matter which refining method is used, it is necessary to pass the ion exchange process to ensure that the glycerol is in conformity with the standard of quality.

Peanut glycerin flash point

/(cal/(g.0C))

  1. Estimated freezing point and the maximum specific heat capacity of the mixture at the time of the component. 2. The minimum value of specific heat capacity at the same concentration. The optimum concentration of the glycerol-water solution as the refrigerant in a certain temperature range can be selected by using Table 2.10. For example, when the temperature of the freezing liquid is 29 ° C, the concentration of 55% is selected [its specific heat capacity is 1.6 cal / (g ° ° C), the heat buffering efficiency is the best], and when the temperature of the freezing liquid is 18 -* C, the selection is made. 40% concentration. A specific solution of glycerol dissolved in a solvent, the specific heat capacity of the solvent and the specific heat capacity of glycerol are calculated as follows: (M+ m)S=sM+s' m where M is the mass of the solvent;

• Specific heat capacity of S-solution;

M-The quality of glycerol s-The specific heat capacity of the solvent; s’-Specific heat capacity of glycerol in solution 3.  Freezing point The freezing point of pure glycerin is 18.17C, but this glycerol which exists in a crystalline state is rare. Therefore, some people mistakenly believe that glycerin has a quality problem. In fact, there is no problem in using this glycerin after heating. The reason why it is rare is that glycerin often contains water, which causes a tendency to be too cold, thus lowering the freezing point of glycerin. When the glycerol concentration was 66.7% (molar ratio was about 1:2.5), a eutectic mixture was formed, and the freezing point dropped the most, to be 43.5C. Figure 2.5 shows the relationship between glycerol concentration and freezing point. Glycerin is mixed with volatile antifreeze agents such as methanol and ethanol and can be used in automotive engines. Glycerol can reduce the volatility of alcohol to prevent freezing after the alcohol evaporates, causing damage to the machine. Glycerol-water solutions can be used in refrigeration technology and can also be used in the food industry. Because glycerin is non-toxic, it can be eaten and is widely used.

Glycerol (quality)/%

Figure 2.5 Relationship between glycerol concentration and freezing point   4.Thermal conductivity The thermal conductivity of glycerol increases as the water content increases, and in addition, rises as the temperature rises. And it is a straight line change. The thermal conductivity of glycerol is 0. 000691 cal / (cm. s. C), glassy The glycerol is 0. 0007601X10- 6cal/(cm.s. °C) at 78.5 °C. The thermal conductivity of glycerin and glycerol aqueous solutions is shown in Table 2.13. Table 2.13 Sheet 2.13 Thermal conductivity of glycerin and glycerol aqueous solution / [cal / (cm. s. C)]

Side effects of glycerin

Glycerin

Glycerol,the same as glycerin,is a kind of colorless,odorless and sweet viscous liquid.The chemical structure of glycerin is totally different from carbohydrate,therefore,they don’t belong to the same substances.

Every gram glycerin produces 4 kcal heat after complete oxidation,and it won’t change the blood sugar and insulin level after absorbed by human body.Glycerin is usually applied as sweetener and humectant in food processing industry,and appears often in sport food and milk substitutes.

In winter,people usually use glycerin to wipe hands,faces and surface of the skin exposed in the air,keeping the skin soft,flexible,and keeping damage from dust,weather etc. to become dry,preventing skin from frostbite.As glycerin can increase the moisture content of human tissue,it is able to increase the body’s ability to exercise in hot environment.

molecular formula: C₃H₈O₃

molecular weight: 92.90

appearance and traits: colorless and viscous liquid, odorless,warm sweet,can absorb moisture.

melting point(℃): 18.18

boiling point(℃): 290.9

flash point(℃): 177

ignition temperature(℃): 370

relative density(water=1): 1.26331(20℃)

relative steam density(air=1): 3.1

viscosity(20℃): 1412mPa.      (25℃): 945mpa.s

volume expansion coefficient/K-1=0.000615

surface tension(20℃): 63.3mN/m

saturated vapor pressure(kPa): 0.4(20℃)

It is miscible in ethanol,miscible with water,insoluble in chloroform,ether,carbon disulfide,benzene,oil,soluble certain inorganic substances.

Explosion hazard: it is combustible,irritating.

Dangerous characteristics: in case of fire,it has high heat and is flammable.

Main application：

1.For gas chromatography stationary liquids and organic synthesis,also can be used as solvent,gas meter,hydraulic press shock absorber,softener,antifreeze,nutrient and desiccant etc. for antibiotic fermentation.

2.Producing nitroglycerin,acetate,polyurethane resin,epoxy resin.used often in the cosmetics industry,food industry,water-based printing ink,coatings industry.

As it is non-toxic,tasteless and pollution-free,it is the best substitute of diethylene glycol/ethylene glycol for the for the cosmetics/food industry.

Health hazard: not toxic for body after eating,no irritation to eyes and skin.Oral toxicity in mice LD50=31,500mg/kg. Intravenous administration LD50=7,560mg/kg.

Glycerin is the backbone component of triglyceride molecules.When the body consumes edible fat,the triglyceride therein is metabolized by metabolism in the body to form glycerin and stored in the fat cells.

Glycerin can be applied as cosmetics.

The chemical name of glycerin is glycerol.It is sweet colorless,viscous liquid,and it is a chemical product,has good water absorption,usually applied as additive ingredients for cosmetics.
So how can we select qualified glycerin?Generally,it’s best to select glycerin with high purity for skin care.It is pure and has good moisturizing effect when using mixed with water.The skin is moisturizing and soft and comfortable when touching.For example,White Beauty Pure Glycerin,it is purely extracted from plants,of which the purity is above 99%.And it is not added any chemical ingredients and preservatives etc.,not harming to skin.But due to the high purity,it needs test using to prevent allergies.In addition,if the skin has cracked and bleeding,it is impossible to use pure glycerin.Because glycerin is used for moisturizing,it will easily cause infection in the affected area.After all,glycerin is a makeup,not a medicine.

Side effects of glycerin.

What’s need to be pointed out is that,as the function of maintaining water,glycerin will increase blood volume and cause dizziness,nausea and other symptoms.These symptoms will be more pronounced in cases where blood volume or blood pressure is high in pregnancy,high blood pressure,diabetes and kidney disease.So please avoid taking glycerin when you have the above disease or are in a special physiological period such as pregnancy.It is recommended to get a full assessment of health condition before attempting any new supplement or medicines to avoid future problems.

Refined glycerine properties and industrial applications

Properties of Refined Glycerine

• Refined glycerine is a colourless liquid
• It is an odorless liquid.
• Glycerol is a viscous liquid in nature.
• Glycerol is soluble in water and it’s hygroscopic in nature.
• Glycerol is a sweet tasting compound.
• Glycerol is a non-toxic.

Production of Refined Glycerine

• • From fats and oils

Refined glycerine is obtained from the saponification or transesterification of triglycerides in a stoichometric quantity. Glycerol is produced as a co-product in the production of long carboxylate salts used for the manufacture of soap. Refined glycerine is a byproduct of the production of biodiesel via transesterification. Refined glycerine is manufactured from the mixture of Triglycerides when they are treated with an alcohol such as ethanol, with a catalytic base to give glycerol and ethyl esters of fatty acids.

• • Synthetic Glyerol

Synthetic glycerol is synthesized from propylene by epichlorohydrin process. Epichlorohydrin process involves the chlorination of propylene to epichlorohydrin and the epichlorohydrin is then hydrolyzed to give glycerol.

• • Food Industry

Refined glycerine is used as a humectants, solvent, food additive and sweetener for the preservation of food. Glycerol is also used as filler in the preparation of low-fat foods and as a thickening agent. Glycerol contributes approximately about 27 kilocalories of sugar content in sugar & it’s 60% sweet as Sucrose.

• • Pharmaceutical Industry

Refined glycerine is used in the medical applications as a means of improving smoothness, providing lubrication and as humectants. Glycerol is used as laxative and induces a hyper osmotic effect. Glycerol can cause rapid temporary decrease in internal pressure of the eyes and can be useful for the initial emergency treatment of severely elevated eye pressure. In tablets and capsules formation, Glycerin is used as a tablet holding agent.

• • Personal care applications

Glycerol is used in personal care applications such as skin care products, shaving cream, hair care products, soaps and water-based personal lubricants. Refined glycerine is an integral component for the preparation of glycerine soap for imparting fragnance in it. Refined glycerine is used to prevent excessive drying and evaporation.

• • Antifreeze

Glycerol is used as a antifreezing agent for automotive applications because of its lower freezing point and non toxicity. Glycerol is an important component of solvents for enzymatic reagents due to the depression of the freezing temperature. Refined glycerine is used as a cryoprotectant to reduce damage by ice crystals for microorganisms that are stored in frozen conditions.

• • Chemical intermediate

Glycerol is used as an intermediate to produce various explosives such as nitroglycerin, dynamite, gelignite and propellants like cordite. An important usage of crude glycerin as an additive to biomass for a renewable energy source. Glycerol is utilized in the hydrogen gas production unit and glycerine acetate. Glycerol is used as a conversion to propylene glycerol, acrolein, ethanol and epichlorohydrin.

• • Other applications

10% Glycerol solution prevents tannins from precipitating in ethanol extracts of plants. Glycerol is used as an alternative to ethanol as a solvent in herbal extractions. Glycerine is an integral component of e-liquid in electronic cigarettes. Glycerol is a stable preserving agent for botanical extracts that, when utilized in proper concentrations in an extraction solvent base.

New Uses For Glycerol Waste

There are various outlets for disposal and utilization of the crude glycerol generated in biodiesel plants. For large scale biodiesel producers, crude glycerol can be refined into a pure form and then be used in food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetics industries. For small scale producers, however, purification is too expensive to be performed in their manufacturing sites. Their crude glycerol is usually sold to large refineries for upgrading. In recent years, however, with the rapid expansion of biodiesel industry, the market is flooded with excessive crude glycerol. As a result, biodiesel producers only receive 2.5-5 cents/lb for this glycerol (Johnson and Taconi, 2007). Therefore, producers must seek new, value-added uses for this glycerol.
There have been many investigations into alternative uses of crude glycerol. Combustion, composting, animal-feeding, thermo-chemical conversions, and biological conversion methods for glycerol usage and disposal have all been proposed. Johnson and Taconi (2007) reported that combustion of crude glycerol is a method that has been used for disposal. However, this method is not economical for large producers of biodiesel. It has also been suggested that glycerol can be composted (Brown 2007) or used to increase the biogas production of anaerobic digesters (Holm-Nielsen et al. 2008). DeFrain et al. (2004) attempted to feed biodiesel-derived glycerol to dairy cows in order to prevent ketosis, but found that it was not useful.
Also, Lammers et al. (2008) studied supplementing the diet of growing pigs with crude glycerol. This study found that the metabolizable-to-digestible energy ratio of glycerol is similar to corn or soybean oil when fed to pigs. Therefore, the study concludes that “crude glycerol can be used as an excellent source of energy for growing pigs,” but also cautions that little is known about the impacts of impurities in the glycerol. Furthermore, Cerrate et al. (2006) have had some success with feeding glycerol to broiler chickens. Birds fed 2.5 % of 5% glycerin diets had higher breast yield than the control group, but the authors caution that there is still concern about methanol impurities in the glycerol.
Converting crude glycerol into valued-added products through thermo-chemical methods or biological methods is an alternative for utilizing this waste stream. It has been reported that glycerol can be thermochemically converted into propylene glycol (Dasari et al. 2005; Alhanash et al. 2008), acetol (Chiu et al. 2006), or a variety of other products (Johnson & Taconi 2007). Cortright et al. (2002) have developed an aqueous phase reforming process that transforms glycerol into hydrogen. Virent Energy Systems is currently trying to commercialize this technology and claim that sodium hydroxide, methanol, and high pH levels within crude glycerol help the process (Nilles 2005).
For biological conversions of crude glycerol, the glycerol serves as a feedstock in various fermentation processes. For example, Lee et al. (2001) have used glycerol in the fermentation of Anaerobiospirillum succiniciproducens for the production of succinic acid. The fermentation of E. coli on glycerol leads to the production of a mixture of ethanol, succinate, acetate, lactate, and hydrogen (Dharmadi et al. 2006). Glycerol can also be converted to citric acid by the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. It has been reported that this organism produces the same amount of citric acid when grown on glucose or on raw glycerol (Papanikolaou & Aggelis 2002). Rymowicz et al. (2006) found that acetate mutant strains of Y. lipolytica can produce high levels of citric acid while producing very little isocitrate. Furthermore, it has been shown that Clostridium butyricum can utilize biodiesel-derived glycerol to produce 1,3-propanediol (an important chemical building block with many industrial uses) in both batch and continuous cultures. During the fermentation process, the organism also produces byproducts of acetic and butyric acid (Papanikolaou et al. 2004). The researchers at Virginia Tech also developing algal fermentation processes to convert crude glycerol into high value omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Pyle et al., 2008; Athalye et al., 2009)

Glycerol refining process

Glycerin Distillation. The Glycerin Distillation unit is designed to steam fractionate the raw or crude glycerin into a major Distillate I fraction, a lesser Distillate II fraction for recycle or separate disposal and other residual matter. The Unit 16 operates continuously, 24 hours per day, except when the heavier residues are periodically distilled off to remove them from the system. Evaporation is carried out at low pressures around 13 mbar and the presence of steam in the tower promotes glycerin flow and internal column recirculation. The major fraction of the distilled glycerin is continuously bleached with activated carbon to obtain pharmaceutical product – Distillate I. Besides the bleached main distillate, a small amount, about 3 %, of Distillate II is produced which contains water and low boiling impurities.
Process Description. The raw glycerin is preheated by exchange with hot glycerin product and then flashed at a pressure of around 100 mbar to degas and evaporate some of the moisture present in the raw glycerin. The resultant more concentrated glycerin is then fed to specially designed 4 brag steam injectors at the base of the glycerin column. Steam at 16 barg is used to reboil the column. Typically the column operates as low as 13 mbar pressure with the live steam promoting the fractionation process.
The vapours flowing from the top of the distillation column to the overhead condenser still contain the remaining glycerin (~3%) and virtually all the low boiling impurities, as well as much of the water vapour.
Any remaining vapours and the non-condensable gases which enter with the crude glycerin are drawn off by the steam ejectors, compressed to reduce the negative pressure to an intermediate stage and condensed in the first condenser together with the driving steam. A water ring seal pump will compress the non-condensable gases to atmospheric pressure. A metering pump serves to add NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide, ie, Caustic Soda) to the raw glycerin in order to adjust the pH of the feed if necessary.
The majority of the glycerin is collected as Glycerin I from the center section of the column. It is then bleached to remove the final colorants by passing it through a bed of activated carbon, followed by a polishing filter to catch any entrained activated carbon. After passing through the bleachers, the bleached glycerin is freed from any existent activated-carbon fines in a polishing filter, being cooled and pumped provided by Customer.
After condensing, this stream is discharged as Distillate II with a glycerin concentration of around 90%. It is of inferior quality and thus used for industrial purposes.
Over time, non-distilling components (salts, soaps etc.) increase in the base of the still (ie, higher concentrate).
This residue is periodically bled off to a secondary still where any incumbent glycerin is recovered and the residue is dispensed from each batch into drums. The recovered glycerin is returned to the main still.
The distilling process consists of a continuous 50-60 MT/day glycerin refining unit. The design of the plant encompasses crude distillation and glycerin bleaching, producing USP pharmaceutical grade glycerin. The plant consists of a pre-dryer, a structured packing distillation column, and a continuous bleaching unit. The process also has two post-addition stills for residue recovery.
The process was designed for either soap lye or splitters crude as per British specification BS2621 for soap lye crude and British specification BS2622 for the splitters crude. Crude will be supplied to the refining unit as individual streams or a blend of the two based on raw material availability. The process was modified recently for all “vegetable” based biodiesel crude. The maximum allowable methanol content from the biodiesel crude is 0.5 % max.
Equipment required for the glycerine refining process:

• USP and Crude Glycerin Storage
• Steam Pre Dryer
• Distillation Column & Condensing Units
• Post Distillation Residue Recovery
• Bleaching Columns ( 3 )
• Steam Vacuum Jet System (Grahm)
• WonderWare & Allen Bradley PLC Controls

Us glycerine market

ABG, Inc., an Adayana company, in conjunction with the United States Soybean Export Council has completed a research study of the glycerin market. The team gathered historical data related to the domestic glycerin market including domestic production and prices, European production and prices, petroleum production and consumption, and fatty acid production. Although some of the data were closely correlated, it is difficult to build a model capable of inferring the data’s explanatory power on American glycerin prices.
The increase in demand is being discussed as about 50m-100m lb/year, although various players’ estimates differ. The personal care products sector is the largest application for refined glycerine, growing at 3%/year alongside the appetite of “baby boomers” for skin-care creams as the generation nears retirement age.
As per a May 2013 article published by ICIS, wider demand for refined glycerine is being driven by healthy buying in the personal care sector and new chemical routes to monopropylene glycol (MPG), where refined glycerine can be a feedstock, by increased use in the antifreeze markets and by new and evolving uses in heat transfer systems.
Additionally, new end-use in engine coolants are gaining attention and offering demand growth estimated by industry participants to be as much as 10m lb of new consumption by the end of 2013.
A set of specification standards for a glycerine grade to be used in engine coolants has been ratified by the ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials), market sources confirmed in the third quarter of 2012. The first specification for ASTM Engine Coolant Grade Glycerine (D7640) was approved and released for industry-wide publication in August, ASTM sources said.
Several ASTM engine coolant glycerine specification sets continue to be in various stages of development, with expectations that light and heavy-duty vehicle coolant systems using glycerine will enter phases of commercialisation in 2014.
Refined glycerine of 99.5% purity will be one of the blendstocks for several of the coolant systems.
Domestic glycerin prices are negatively correlated with the European glycerin market which indicates the U.S. market is vulnerable to fluctuations in global supply. Another remarkable observation is the small, but positive correlation between American refined glycerin prices and domestic refined glycerin supply. Surprisingly, this correlation does not follow the logic that more supply will lead to lower prices.
Petroleum production and consumption impacts domestic refined glycerin prices, especially production in the Middle East. High petroleum production in the Middle East has historically led to depressed refined glycerin prices. The interpretation of this correlation is that increased petroleum production increases the supply of substitutes for refined glycerin.
Glycerin is a byproduct of biodiesel, soap, and fatty acid production. Therefore, the supply of glycerin is determined by the demand for these primary products.

• As the soap industry has traditionally provided most of the glycerin for the domestic market, the soap manufacturers also own most of the glycerin refining capacity in the country.
• Global biodiesel production has significantly increased the amount of glycerin on the market in recent years. This has shifted glycerin production to countries that were not traditionally large producers.
• Because glycerin refining capacity is limited, depressed prices prevent construction of new refineries leading to a global crude oversupply crisis.
• The glycerin market is a relatively small market on a worldwide basis. Current global production is about 2 billion pounds and is valued at $1 billion annually.
• Since the glycerin market is small on a global basis, there is little market information, making it difficult
  to establish a world “spot” price for the product. This helps to explain some anomalies in the international market. For example, the United States is an importer and an exporter of both crude and
  refined glycerin.
• The European Union, United States, and Southeast Asia are the main regions which produce glycerin.
• Although small, the glycerin market is global and vulnerable to shocks in international production.
• Development of new renewable fuel policies in India, Canada, and South America ensures crude glycerin supply will increase well into the future. As global supply increases, research and development for new uses of glycerin will be needed to handle the surplus of crude glycerin.

The American market for refined glycerin fluctuates from year to year, but generally stays within a range of 450–500 million pounds annually. Furthermore, the production of refined glycerin is relatively stable over time at just under 400 million pounds annually.
Although there doesn’t appear to be any drastic changes in the overall production and consumption of refined glycerin in the United States, there has been a change in the suppliers and refiners of glycerin over the past five years. Dow Chemical, the only manufacturer of synthetic glycerin, shut down its 140 million pound plant when prices dropped to unprofitable levels. Meanwhile, some biodiesel producers have added refineries on their plant site to process the glycerin from their biodiesel operations.

The structure and character of Glycerol

Glycerin is a organic compounds that made up of  Carbon hydrogen oxygen .This organic compound is made up of three chains of carbon atoms that connect hydrogen on one side and hydroxyl (OH) on the other..Three hydroxyl groups form hydrogen bonds between molecules, which make the syrup of the compound sticky and more easy to  soluble in water …On the point of chemical ,glycerol is an alcohol, but it is not intended for edible . It is classified by the food and drug administration in the United States as a carbohydrate because it provides calories and is not fat or protein. Pure glycerol does not crystallize easily, but it cools to form a solid and melts at 18 ℃ It reduces the freezing point of water, and the effect will depends on the concentration.For example, 66.7% of a solution has a freezing point of -46.1 ℃ For this reason, it can be used as a non-toxic antifreeze and it is used as store of sensitive liquids such as enzymes in laboratory refrigerators.

The production and processing of glycerin

Glycerol forms the skeleton of many lipids, oils, or fats, and there are many ways to extract it from these substances ,Most glycerol is processed from the by-products of soap production ,Animal fats or vegetable oils can be used in the process.It is heated with a strong alkali , usually caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), which produces soap and glycerine solutions in water.The solution is then distilled by distillation.

Vegetable glycerine can be produced directly from vegetable oil, often coconut oil or palm oil, heated at high temperatures under water pressure.The glycerol skeleton is separated from fatty acids, absorbed by water, then isolated and distilled to extract pure products.food grade vegetable oils are 99.7% pure and the remaining 0.3% is water.

Interest in biodiesel fuels has led to the production of large amounts of non-edible vegetable glycerin.It is not cost-effective to purify the liquid and cannot be disposed randomly as it contains toxic methanol.In 2013, there was a lot of research looking for the use for the substance, and one study found that it could be used to make useful plastics.

Global biodiesel production will determine the future of the glycerin industry

Glycerin is a byproduct of the industrial soap manufacturing process (saponification). Modern soap manufacturers use fatty acids and sodium hydroxide as an input. Fatty acids for soap are manufactured through the process of hydrolysis (fat splitting). The process separates the lipid source, either animal fat or vegetable oil, into water, fatty acids, and glycerin. The glycerin is then removed from the water and fatty acids (sweet water) and is often processed into refined glycerin. This is why much of the glycerin refining capacity is owned by soap manufacturers such as Dial, Proctor & Gamble, and Lever. The production of fatty acids and biodiesel is a similar process. Both processes can use either animal fat or vegetable oil as an input; both produce glycerin as a byproduct. Glycerin has traditionally provided consistent revenues to soap and fatty acid producers. These revenues are now fractions of previous years’ since global biodiesel production has flooded the market with glycerin. Biodiesel production, boosted by subsidies and tax breaks, has squeezed soap and fatty acid producers on input costs and byproduct revenues. The domestic soap industry has remained competitive in the past by using beef tallow as a feedstock. Meanwhile, biodiesel makers with multiple feedstock capability use as much animal fat as possible to combat high vegetable oil prices. This has driven up the price for beef tallow, which has, in turn, led soap manufacturers to begin importing foreign plant-based oils for feedstock. Global biodiesel production will determine the future of the glycerin industry. Demand for biodiesel is projected to be 8 billion gallons by 2020. This would result in 5.8 billion pounds of glycerin entering the market from biodiesel production alone. As per the United States Energy Information Agency website, U.S. production of biodiesel was 128 million gallons in July 2013. This was an increase from production of 113 million gallons in June 2013. Biodiesel production from the Midwest region (Petroleum Administration for Defense District 2) was 64% of the U.S. total. Production came from 111 biodiesel plants with operable capaicity of 2.1 billion gallons per year.  It is uncertain whether future biodiesel production will meet projections. Policymakers have set optimistic renewable fuel goals and mandates which may not become a reality. Feedstocks for biodiesel companies have become expensive that generous subsidies still do not enable biodiesel to be competitive with petroleum-based diesel. Biodiesel production may be lower than projected in the future; therefore, there will be less glycerin than expected. Although biodiesel production may not meet future projections, it is expected to increase well into the future and further exacerbate the crude glycerin glut. It will be in the best interest of biodiesel producers across the world to find a solution for crude glycerin prices which can add more value and profitability to their biodiesel operations. The domestic glycerin refinery capacity is slightly below 500 million pounds of refined glycerin annually. However, this is not large enough to refine all of the crude glycerin produced in the United States because the demand for refined glycerin has not kept pace with the recent surge in crude supply. Glycerin is refined in the United States by only a few companies. The largest producers include Proctor & Gamble, Dial, and Cognis, which are all major players in the global chemical market. All domestic refiners currently refine natural glycerin only.

production method of glycerin

The industrial production methods of glycerin can be divided into two major categories: the method of using natural oils and fats as raw materials, the obtained glycerin is commonly called natural glycerin, and the synthetic method of using propylene as raw material, the obtained glycerin is commonly called synthetic glycerin. Folding natural glycerin Prior to 1984, glycerol was recovered from by-products of animal and vegetable fat soaps. So far, natural oils and fats are still the main raw material for the production of glycerin, of which about 42% of natural glycerin is made by-product soap and 58% is derived from fatty acid production. Saponification of oils and fats in the soap making industry. The saponification reaction product is divided into two layers: the upper layer is mainly composed of fatty acid sodium salt (soap) and a small amount of glycerin, and the lower layer is waste alkali liquor, which is a dilute glycerin solution containing salt and sodium hydroxide, generally containing glycerin 9-16%, inorganic salt. 8-20%. Oil reaction.The glycerin water (also known as sweet water) obtained by hydrolysis of oil and fat has a glycerin content higher than that of the soap waste liquid,and is about 14-20%, and the inorganic salt is 0-0.2%. In recent years, continuous high pressure hydrolysis has been widely used. The reaction does not use a catalyst, and the obtained sweet water generally does not contain inorganic acid , and the purification method is simpler than the waste alkali solution. Whether it is soap waste liquid or glycerin water obtained by hydrolysis of oil, the amount of glycerin is not high, and all contain various impurities. The production process of natural glycerin includes purification , concentration to obtain crude glycerin, and distillation and decolorization of crude glycerin. Deodorization process. This process is described in detail in some books.and is about 14-20%, and the inorganic salt is 0-0.2%. In recent years, continuous high pressure hydrolysis has been widely used.The reaction does not use a catalyst, and the obtained sweet water generally does not contain inorganic acid , and the purification method is simpler than the waste alkali solution. Whether it is soap waste liquid or glycerin water obtained by hydrolysis of oil, the amount of glycerin is not high, and all contain various impurities. The production process of natural glycerin includes purification , concentration to obtain crude glycerin, and distillation and decolorization of crude glycerin. Deodorization process. This process is described in detail in some books.and is about 14-20%, and the inorganic salt is 0-0.2%. In recent years, continuous high pressure hydrolysis has been widely used. The reaction does not use a catalyst, and the obtained sweet water generally does not contain inorganic acid ,and the purification method is simpler than the waste alkali solution. Whether it is soap waste liquid or glycerin water obtained by hydrolysis of oil, the amount of glycerin is not high, and all contain various impurities. The production process of natural glycerin includes purification , concentration to obtain crude glycerin, and distillation and decolorization of crude glycerin. Deodorization process. This process is described in detail in some books.and the obtained sweet water generally does not contain inorganic acid, and the purification method is simpler than the waste alkali solution . Whether it is soap waste liquid or glycerin water obtained by hydrolysis of oil, the amount of glycerin is not high, and all contain various impurities. The production process of natural glycerin includes purification,concentration to obtain crude glycerin, and distillation and decolorization of crude glycerin. Deodorization process. This process is described in detail in some books.and the obtained sweet water generally does not contain inorganic acid, and the purification method is simpler than the waste alkali solution . Whether it is soap waste liquid or glycerin water obtained by hydrolysis of oil, the amount of glycerin is not high, and all contain various impurities. The production process of natural glycerin includes purification, concentration to obtain crude glycerin, and distillation and decolorization of crude glycerin. Deodorization process. This process is described in detail in some books.The production process of natural glycerin includes purification, concentration to obtain crude glycerin, and distillation and decolorization of crude glycerin.Deodorization process. This process is described in detail in some books.The production process of natural glycerin includes purification, concentration to obtain crude glycerin, and distillation and decolorization of crude glycerin. Deodorization process. This process is described in detail in some books. Folded synthetic glycerin The various routes for the synthesis of glycerol from propylene can be grouped into two broad categories, namely chlorination and oxidation. Propylene chlorination and propylene non-scheduled acetic acid oxidation are still used in the industry. Propylene chlorination This is the most important production method for the synthesis of glycerol. It consists of four steps, namely high temperature chlorination of propylene, hypochlorochlorination of chloropropene, saponification of dichloropropanol and hydrolysis of epichlorohydrin. Hydrolysis of epichlorohydrin to glycerol is carried out in an aqueous solution of 10% hydrogen peroxide and 1% sodium carbonate at 150 ° C and 1.37 MPa carbon dioxide pressure to form a sodium chloride-containing glycerin aqueous solution having a glycerin content of 5-20%. After concentration, desalting, and distillation, glycerin having a purity of 98% or more is obtained. Propylene peracetic acid oxidation Propylene reacts with peracetic acid to synthesize propylene oxide, and propylene oxide is isomerized to alkene. The latter is then reacted with peracetic acid to form glycidol (ie, glycidol) and finally hydrolyzed to glycerol. The production of peracetic acid does not require a catalyst , and acetaldehyde and oxygen are vapor-phase oxidized. Under normal pressure, 150-160 ° C, and contact time of 24 s, the conversion of acetaldehyde is 11%, and the selectivity of peracetic acid is 83%. The latter two- step reaction described above is continuously carried out in a reaction column of a specific structure. After the raw material allyl alcohol and the ethyl acetate solution containing peracetic acid are sent to the column, the column is controlled at 60-70 ° C and 13- 20 kPa.The ethyl acetate solvent and water were distilled off from the top of the column, and the column was stirred to obtain an aqueous glycerin solution. The method has high selectivity and yield, and uses peracetic acid as an oxidant, which can be used without a catalyst, and the reaction speed is fast, which simplifies the process. Production of 1t glycerol consumed 1.001t of allyl alcohol, 1.184t of peracetic acid, and 0.947t of by-product acetic acid. At present, the production of natural glycerin and synthetic glycerol accounts for almost 50% each, while the propylene chlorination method accounts for about 80% of the production of Healing glycerol. China’s natural glycerin accounts for more than 90% of total production.and uses peracetic acid as an oxidant, which can be used without a catalyst, and the reaction speed is fast,which simplifies the process. Production of 1t glycerol consumed 1.001t of allyl alcohol, 1.184t of peracetic acid, and 0.947t of by -product acetic acid. At present, the production of natural glycerin and synthetic glycerol accounts for almost 50% each, while the propylene chlorination method accounts for about 80% of the production of Healing glycerol. China’s natural glycerin accounts for more than 90% of total production.and uses peracetic acid as an oxidant, which can be used without a catalyst, and the reaction speed is fast, which simplifies the process. Production of 1t glycerol consumed 1.001t of allyl alcohol, 1.184t of peracetic acid, and 0.947t of by -product acetic acid. At present, the production of natural glycerin and synthetic glycerol accounts for almost 50 % each,while the propylene chlorination method accounts for about 80% of the production of Healing glycerol. China’s natural glycerin accounts for more than 90% of total production.the production of natural glycerin and synthetic glycerol accounts for almost 50% each, while the propylene chlorination method accounts for about 80% of the production of Healing glycerol. China’s natural glycerin accounts for more than 90% of total production.the production of natural glycerin and synthetic glycerol accounts for almost 50% each, while the propylene chlorination method accounts for about 80% of the production of Healing glycerol. China’s natural glycerin accounts for more than 90% of total production.the production of natural glycerin and synthetic glycerol accounts for almost 50% each, while the propylene chlorination method accounts for about 80% of the production of Healing glycerol. China’s natural glycerin accounts for more than 90% of total production.the production of natural glycerin and synthetic glycerol accounts for almost 50% each, while the propylene chlorination method accounts for about 80% of the production of Healing glycerol. China’s natural glycerin accounts for more than 90% of total production.the production of natural glycerin and synthetic glycerol accounts for almost 50% each, while the propylene chlorination method accounts for about 80% of the production of Healing glycerol. China’s natural glycerin accounts for more than 90% of total production.the production of natural glycerin and synthetic glycerol accounts for almost 50% each, while the propylene chlorination method accounts for about 80% of the production of Healing glycerol. China’s natural glycerin accounts for more than 90% of total production.while the propylene chlorination method accounts for about 80% of the production of Healing glycerol. China’s natural glycerin accounts for more than 90% of total production.while the propylene chlorination method accounts for about 80% of the production of Healing glycerol. China’s natural glycerin accounts for more than 90% of total production. Industrial grade glycerin The amount of industrial grade glycerin is diluted with 1/2 amount of distilled water. After stirring, the activated carbon is added and heated to 60-70 ° C for decolorization treatment, and then vacuum filtered to ensure the filtrate is clear and transparent. The dropping rate is controlled, and the filtrate is added to a column of a previously prepared 732 type strong acid cation resin and a 717 type strong base yin and yang resin to adsorb and remove the electrolyte and aldehydes, pigments, esters and the like in the glycerin.

Application and market prospect of glycerin

According to the Soap and Detergent Association, there are over 1,500 uses for glycerin. The uses range from energy bars to cough syrups to protective boat coatings. With 1,500 uses, the market is expected to be fragmented. While this traditionally meant that refiners commanded more market power, much of this power has been undermined with the recent glut of crude glycerin in the domestic market. The top three uses for refined glycerin are food products, personal care products, and oral care products. These three uses account for 64% of refined glycerin consumption. The graphic at right denotes a complete breakdown of glycerin consumption by end use. Glycerin has unique properties which make it a useful component of food products – mostly as humectants in food products. As a humectant, glycerin absorbs water molecules from the air, helping keep food moist and prevent crumbling. This property of glycerin helps preserve food and keep it fresh for longer periods of time. Glycerin is also making inroads into the sporting world as a unique carbohydrate source. Its chemical properties give it a sweet taste, but unlike other carbohydrates, glycerin does not cause an insulin surge during the digestion process. This means excess energy from glycerin is not stored in the body as fat, making glycerin ideal for body-builders as it provides short-term energy but does not increase body fat. Moreover, glycerin has water-retention properties which make it ideal for sports drinks. Glycerin can be used as a lubricant in food manufacturing facilities because it is non-toxic and has many lubricant properties. Personal care products account for 23% of the usage of refined glycerin. The properties of glycerin are ideal ingredients in many personal care products, mostly helping to prevent moisture loss. Thus, glycerin is used as an emollient in skin creams, lotions, shaving creams, makeup, and deodorant. Oral care product usage accounts for 17% of refined glycerin demand. Glycerin is commonly found in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and sugar-free gum, giving these products a sweet taste without contributing to tooth decay. Gel toothpastes generally contain more glycerin than traditional toothpastes because glycerin helps to provide a smooth appearance. Glycerin is used as a humectant and sweetener in the manufacture of tobacco, accounting for 11% of refined glycerin consumption. Glycerin is often sprayed on leaves before processing to prevent crumbling and dehydration. It is used as a plasticizer in cigarette papers as well as a sweetener in chewing tobacco. Glycerin provides one of the basic chemical building blocks for the construction of rigid polyurethane foams. The usage in this category accounts for 8% of glycerin consumption. Glycerin is used in many medicinal formulations, accounting for 7% of refined glycerin consumption. Glycerin provides lubrication and smoothness to many cough syrups and elixirs. It can be used as a plasticizer in gel caps and is an active ingredient in the emergency heart medicine, nitroglycerine. Miscellaneous uses of glycerin account for 10% of refined glycerin consumption. About 3% of refined glycerin is used for the formulation of alkyd resins. Alkyd resins are used as protective surface coatings, components of plastics, and paints. Glycerin is also a component of nitroglycerine explosives. Asia, Western Europe, and the United States together accounted for three-fourths of the total world consumption of refined glycerin in 2011. Overall, refined glycerin consumption is expected to grow very strongly in the next several years, at an average annual rate of 10%. Asia accounted for about 36% of global consumption of refined glycerin in 2011. The region was led by China, which accounted for about 18% of total global use. China will drive world consumption growth with very high growth rates resulting from the further expansion of glycerin-to-epichlorohydrin production. Growth in glycerin demand for polyether polyol production and pharmaceutical uses will also make a relatively big contribution to the glycerin consumption increase. It is expected that by 2016, China will account for 27% of the world’s refined glycerin consumption. Thailand will also experience high growth rates as a result of epichlorohydrin production. Both Indonesia and Malaysia will continue to export large amounts of refined glycerin. Japan’s refined glycerin consumption growth is expected to remain flat in the next several years. Overall, Asian consumption will significantly increase to 45% of the global refined glycerin total in 2016. Western Europe accounted for 26% of the total world refined glycerin consumption in 2011. Consumption has been mainly for applications such as personal care, food and beverages, polyether polyols, and pharmaceuticals. Strong growth of nearly 8% annually is expected for the region as a result of the use of glycerin as a raw material for novel chemical production such as syngas, propylene glycol, and epichlorohydrin. Consumption in the United Sates has recovered somewhat from the decline caused by the economic recession in 2009. Fairly strong growth of 6–8% annually is expected in the next several years. Moderate growth will occur for traditional glycerin market segments, while high growth for newer applications, such as propylene glycol production and recreational vehicle fluids, is expected. Other regions, such as Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East, will experience strong annual consumption growth of 6–7% during the next five years. In Central and Eastern Europe, increased demand in markets such as personal care and functional food will continue, along with epichlorohydrin production. In the Middle East, personal care and food account for more than one-third of the overall demand for glycerin, followed by alkyd resins because the region has a highly developed paints and coatings industry. Growth is expected in all applications. Africa will also show strong growth of 9% annually (cosmetics and personal care products have experienced the highest demand growth in recent years). The remaining world regions, such as Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and Oceania, will continue to represent only a minor share of the world total. Refined glycerin is at some risk for substitution by competing products, mainly sorbitol and glycols. Substitution depends on availability and prices. The ASG team has identified specific sources of crude glycerin supply as well as critical target customers of the plant production. These target customers include large, multinational companies as well as regional buyers and producers of glycerin products. There are numerous import and export opportunities available to ASG.

Glycerin Refinery Background

Glycerin (also called glycerol and glycerine) is a colorless, odorless, viscous, water-soluble liquid with slightly sweet taste. It is a three carbon alcohol which serves as the backbone of the triglyceride molecule. Glycerin is non-toxic and can be used topically in cosmetics or consumed in food products and pharmaceuticals. Glycerin is made synthetically using petroleum as a feedstock. It is derived naturally using two methods:

• Soap and fatty acid production (hydrolysis)
• Biodiesel production (transesterification)

Transesterification of fats and oils processing can yield crude glycerin as a byproduct at a rate of 10% per unit of biodiesel (methyl ester). Methanol, which is mixed with fats or oils in the transesterification process, is present in the glycerin residue. When excess methanol is removed from the glycerin, the substance is called “crude glycerin”. The content of crude glycerin varies widely, but it is generally 85% glycerin (range: 40%-90%), 10% water (range 8% to 50%), 4% salt (range 0% to 10%), less than 0.5% methanol, and around 0.5% free fatty acids. There are three basic grades of refined glycerin, differentiated by purity and potential end-uses. Glycerin is generally sold as 99.5% pure and 99.7% pure. The three grades of refined glycerin are:

• Technical grade – used as a building block in chemicals, not used for food or drug formulation
• United States Pharmacopeia (USP) – glycerin from animal fat or plant oil sources, suitable for food products, pharmaceuticals
• Kosher – glycerin from plant oil sources, suitable for use in kosher foods

The properties of glycerin create a versatile product that can be put towards many end-uses. In fact, there are over 1,500 end-uses for the chemical. In most products, however, it is only used in very small portions. There are only a few end-uses which require a significant amount of glycerin in their formulation.

Glycerin Supplements

Glycerin, also called glyercine or glycerol, is a nutrient sold as a supplement for use in food, as a treatment for constipation and on the skin. Manufacturers add glycerin to protein bars because when taken with water, it facilitates "hyperhydration," according to the Supplement Research Foundation. It is sweet, clear and odorless. Glyercin is classified as a carbohydrate by the FDA.

Starwest Botanicals Vegetable Glycerin

Starwest Botanicals vegetable glycerin contains pure vegetable glycerine. The 2010 price was about $4.50 to $6.50 for a 4-oz. bottle. You can apply it to dry skin or take it internally. Dilute the product with water if using on your skin. You can add vegetable glycerin to food as a sweetener or to give it a moist texture, as protein bar manufacturers do.

Now Foods Vegetable Glycerin

Now Foods vegetable glycerin is water soluble and comes from vegetable oil. This supplement may be taken orally, but you can use it for cosmetic purposes too. It costs between $5 and $9 for a 16-oz. bottle.

Fleet Pedia Lax Glycerin

Fleet Pedia Lax Glycerin is a children's glyercine supplement that you use as a suppository. The product may relieve discomfort from constipation and is meant for occasional use. It comes an applicator. Fleet Pedia Lax Glycerin was previously marketed under the name Babylax.

Heritage Products Vegetable Gylcerin

Heritage Products Vegetable Gylcerin contains USP grade pure vegetable glycerin. Pure glyercin is safe for internal use so you can use it as a sweetener. Use it on your face and body like a lotion, too. You may use this supplement as a base for herbal extracts by mixing a teaspoon of glycerin with 3/4 oz. water and a few drops of your favorite herbal remedy. It costs between $6.50 and $9.50 for an 8-oz. bottle.

SciFit Glycerol Infusion

SciFit Glycerol Infusion is a supplement that has 19 g of glycerin per serving. It is marketed to bodybuilders and athletes, particularly endurance athletes, because of glycerin's hydration benefits. Each serving provides 75 calories and 19 g of glycerol esters. One 16-oz. container costs from $10 to $17. SciFit recommends taking the product two hours before a competition or workout with water or a 16-oz. sports drink.

The Advantages of Glycerin

Glycerin is an organic compound synthesized from animal fat. It was first manufactured in the 19th century by soap-makers who created their soap products from animal fat. Since then, it has developed widespread influence in many industries. Glycerin is a key ingredient in dynamite, soap and skincare products, suppository medications, eye drops, laboratory experiments, fruit and plant preservatives and more. This substance offers advantages for a variety of applications.

Water Absorption

Glycerin is a hygroscopic substance, meaning it can easily absorb water from its surroundings, whether they are liquid or air. One advantage of glycerin is that it can de-humidify a room if left in the open. In eye drops, it reduces excess "corneal haze" as it removes water, according to Drugs.com. In the bowel, it relieves constipation by softening stool through water absorption. In skincare products, glycerin softens the skin, potentially because of its ability to attract moisture (though there is some debate as to the exact cause of glycerin's effect on skin).

Viscosity

Glycerin is highly viscous, which means that it is a very thick liquid. This is advantageous, as its extends the applications for this compound. Because of its thickness, it can be used as a main ingredient in certain pastes or glues, such as those used to create sawdust logs, which burn better than ordinary logs, according to an article about glycerin on the website, JourneyToForever. In the science laboratory, glycerin is a logical choice for physics experiments that require thick liquids. Researchers at the University of Virginia used glycerin to study the effects of viscosity on friction.

Nontoxic

An important advantage of glycerin is that it is nontoxic. Medicines such as suppositories and eye drops involve absorption of glycerin into the body. Because glycerin is nontoxic, these medications are safe and often sold over the counter. Glycerin is also safely used as an effective preservative. You can preserve plants and flowers using glycerin. You can coat leaves and buds with a mixture of water and glycerin to create a permanent state for the plants for year-round decorative display. In the food industry, glycerin is added to food products to increase shelf life.

Benefits of Glycerin Soap

Soaps vary a great deal in terms of their ingredients. For example, while some soaps make your skin dry, other soaps are very moisturizing. Glycerin soaps are considered to be one of the most moisturizing types of soap. The unique quality of this type of soap allows it to be both moisturizing and effective for all different kinds of skin. The benefits of glycerin soap help your skin become healthy and moisturized.

All Natural

One of the benefits of using glycerin soap is that it can be completely natural, with no synthetic ingredients added to it during the manufacturing process. All soap manufacturers differ, however. While glycerin soap can be totally natural, some glycerin soap manufacturers do add a small amount of synthetic ingredients.

Sensitive Skin

Because glycerin soaps can be completely natural, they are particularly beneficial for people who have sensitive skin. Synthetic ingredients can create skin complications or irritate dormant skin problems. Glycerin soap, on the other hand, can be used for even the most sensitive skin. It can even be used with skin problems like eczema or psoriasis. Glycerin soaps do not irritate the skin or create negative reactions like normal soap does.

Moisturizing

Glycerin is thought to be a humectant, which means that it can attract moisture. Due to this quality, glycerin soaps attract moisture to your skin and keep it locked in. This provides your skin constant hydration. Unlike some soaps that dry your skin out and make it feel tight and even flaky, glycerin soap keeps your skin feeling more hydrated for several hours after you use it. Using glycerin soap on a regular basis can help your skin become softer and suppler.

Healthy Skin 

By keeping your skin well moisturized, you can create the foundation for healthy skin. Completely moisturized and healthy skin prevents you from developing wrinkles, stretch marks and tears in your skin. Although glycerin is a great soap to clean your whole body, using it to wash your face can offer you additional benefits. Using harsh soap that dries out the skin of your face often causes your skin to make up for its dryness by creating extra oil, which clogs your skin and creates skin problems. Glycerin soap can help decrease or completely rid you of acne when you use it as a face wash.

Foods Containing Glycerin

Glycerin, also called glycerol, is sometimes added to foods to help thicken them, to control their moisture level or to stabilize them if they contain a mix of water and oil. It’s mainly used in processed foods and sweets and is generally regarded as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Dairy and Protein Foods

Dairy products, including cheese, yogurt and powdered milk or cream, are among the potential sources of glycerin. You may also find glycerin in condensed milk, whey products, pudding, clotted cream and dairy-based drinks. Processed meat and poultry, soybean products, processed seafood, dried eggs, canned eggs and egg-based desserts can contain this additive as well. Check the ingredients list to verify whether individual products contain glycerin.

Processed Vegetables and Fruits

Vegetables and fruits generally don’t contain glycerin unless they’re processed. Some examples of vegetables that could have glycerin include dried vegetables, canned vegetables, processed fruit, precooked vegetables and sauces containing vegetables. If you’d like to avoid glycerin, opt for fresh fruits and vegetables or those frozen without any added sauces.

Grains and Baked Goods

Precooked pasta, rolled oats, breakfast cereals, rice or tapioca pudding, breading or batters, precooked rice products and baked goods are all potential sources of glycerin. The less processed a grain-based food is, the less likely it is to contain glycerin. Baking goods and cooking grains yourself will help you limit your glycerin intake.

Other Foods

Many other foods can also be sources of glycerin. Some potential beverage sources of glycerin include alcoholic beverages, cider and flavored beverages made with water. The little extras you add to your food, such as sauces, vinegar, mustard, condiments, table-top sweeteners, butter and similar spreads, and nut butters may contain glycerin, and so can candies, soups and edible ices. Foods with added sweeteners sometimes contain glycerin because of the sweet taste it imparts.

Glycerin & Yeast Infections

More than 75 percent of women will acquire at least one yeast infection in their lives, according to Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Harvard Medical School Joan Bengtson, M.D. There are many causes, but the main reason for a yeast infection is the vaginal environment becoming upset, causing a disruption in the pH and an overgrowth of the normally present yeast. One of the common culprits in causing this disruption is sugar, and recently experts have linked glycerin, a general additive in processed foods, beverages and cosmetics, to posing problems in women already prone to yeast infections.

Yeast infections are an overgrowth of yeast, a fungus called Candida albicans, in the vagina. It is normally present in small amounts, but with a disruption of the pH the yeast rapidly produces, causing the varying symptoms of a red, itchy, burning, painful vaginal area with a heavy discharge. There are many reasons for getting a yeast infection including antibiotics, birth control pills, pregnancy, stress, lack of sleep, normal hormonal shifts in the menstrual cycle and eating too many sugary foods. Yeast infections can be cured by over-the-counter medications or prescribed one-time pills, and in addition, many women believe in various home remedies.

Glycerin is used to provide preservation and sweetness to many processed foods, including low-fat commercially baked foods, candy and fudge. It is also used in cosmetics and personal lubricants to provide preservation and for its humectant qualities, used to draw moisture to the skin. It is derived from the chemical element glycerol, an alcohol, and glycerin is the byproduct of either animal or plant sources. (In the 1800s when candles were made of animal fat, glycerin was a byproduct of candle-making.)

To help avert yeast infections, many gynecologists advise staying away from a diet rich in refined sugar. Yeast in the vagina feed off of sugar, so any access to excess sugar provides a possible food source for the already present yeast. Not only is too much sugar a risk for yeast infections, but it is also hard for the body to digest and can lead to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Sugar can be found in more places than people think; all-purpose enriched wheat flour is one of the most common ingredients in commercially processed foods. The “wheat” in this ingredient is only part of the actual grain, the part that breaks down in the body exactly as raw sugar. Whole-wheat flour and products are best for avoiding yeast infections and for overall health.

Avoid Glycerin in Lubricants

Many gynecologists warn if women are already susceptible to recurring yeast infections, they should steer clear of personal lubricants containing glycerin. Since it is processed exactly as sugar in the body, and applied directly to the vagina, it is assumed vaginal yeast benefits from its addition. If women do not get frequent yeast infections experts say using lubricants with glycerin is okay; KY Jelly, the No. 1 brand in America, is full of glycerin. Some people may be more sensitive to glycerin’s effects than others. Glycerin is found in most water-based lubricants, but there are some water-based brands free of glycerin. The other choice, silicone-based lubricants, do not contain glycerin, but many complain about the bad taste and dislike their resistance to water for cleaning.

Although the popular brand KY contains glycerin, other big brands like Astroglide make a glycerin-free version. Simply check the ingredients listed on the back of water-based lubricants for glycerin.Natural lubricants that have stood the test of time are extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil.