Palm Fatty Acid Distillate (PFAD) — Frequently Asked Questions

PFAD is condensed from the vapours of the deodorisation, or steam deacidification, stage of physical palm oil refining. The free fatty acids in the degummed and bleached oil are stripped out with steam under vacuum at high temperature and collected as a distillate, together with some entrained glycerides and minor components such as tocopherols and squalene.

FFA is typically 70–90 % expressed as palmitic acid, and iodine value is around 45–60 g I2/100 g. The exact figures depend on the crude oil's FFA and on the refinery's operating conditions. Specify a minimum FFA or saponifiable matter basis in the contract rather than assuming a fixed figure.

No. PFAD is not listed in Annex IX. Several markets treat it as a co-product of palm oil refining with limited or no incentives, while others have treated it as a residue. Confirm the classification for your destination and the certificate scope for the specific lot with your certification body before contracting.

In biodiesel, PFAD is esterified rather than transesterified and yields a saturated ester with good oxidation stability but a high cold filter plugging point, which limits winter blending. In HVO and SAF units the C16/C18 chains convert well and cold-flow properties are managed by isomerisation, so PFAD fits hydrotreating routes more comfortably.

PFAD is solid at ambient temperature and is usually discharged at around 55–70 °C using steam coils in ISO tanks, heating pads under flexitanks or heated ship tanks. Heat steadily, avoid local overheating and keep lines heat-traced, because PFAD sets quickly in cold pipework and pumps.

The intended use (fuel, oleochemical or feed), your FFA and saponifiable matter basis, MIU and iodine value limits, heating and discharge arrangements, volume, delivery point and Incoterm, and the sustainability or chain-of-custody documents you require. For feed use, say which contaminant testing your market expects so it can be checked before quotation.