RCM Thermal Kinetics launches new ethanol eXpansion technology program

RCM Thermal Kinetics, a division of RCM Technologies, launched its New Ethanol eXpansion Technology (NEXT) program. This solution is designed to revolutionize ethanol plant expansion projects by enhancing production capacity and energy efficiency without requiring costly and time-consuming major equipment replacement.

Incorporating advanced engineering concepts adapted from the refining industry, NEXT can enable existing ethanol plants to unlock over 20% additional production annually, which, for a plant currently producing 100 million gallons of ethanol per year, would equate to an increase in production of 20 million gallons without major equipment replacement. Developed by chemical engineers with experience and understanding of plant requirements, the program is tailored to meet each facility’s individual design and expansion requirements.

The NEXT program offers significant benefits to ethanol producers. Integrating strategic equipment upgrades with a detailed hydraulic balance across critical systems such as distillation, dehydration, and evaporation provides measurable improvements in operational efficiency and plant profitability. The program can be implemented during short-duration plant turnarounds, enabling production schedules to remain uninterrupted while delivering an affordable expansion strategy.