Use & Storage of Biodiesel

Use & Storage of Biodiesel

Practical Issues concerning the use and storage of Biodiesel

There are housekeeping issues to be aware of when converting over to operate on biodiesel, failure to appreciate the differences and implement a policy of ‘best practice’ may leave your organisation exposed to unnecessary and avoidable problems.

Biodiesel quality BSEN14214 was developed over a number of years by the European Committee for Standardisation and adopted in 2004 by all the EU member states as a unified standard for Fatty Acid Methyl Ester, known as FAME. This was a major step forward in that engine manufactures and producers alike have a base line quality to engineer their products to.

The verification by independent test laboratories as to the achievement of BSEN14214 by fuel producers is an essential guarantee of quality.

Bicorp biodiesel is independently profiled against BSEN14214 on a batch by batch basis.

The blending of FAME into fossil diesel to comply with the diesel standard EN590, requires the biodiesel element, currently 5% by volume (B5) to be manufactured in accordance with BSEN14214.

All fossil fuel producers are obligated to achieve the minimum bio content of 5% by volume of their sales. This fuel is currently retailed from every forecourt in the country and referred to as biodiesel. It is not, it is B5. Biodiesel is 100% bio with no blended fossil content.

Of course many producers and users operate very successfully diesel blends higher than B5.  In fact, B30, B50 and pure B100 biodiesel are commonplace in this market. B30 is very much the norm in most of northern Europe…

We at Biocorp advocate B100 biodiesel, our biomex brand is not a diluted fossil oil blend.

To use successfully a B100 biodiesel in the UK it is necessary for the biodiesel to have been produced with additives that enhance the performance of the fuel in critical areas. It is these additives that enable the user to operate biodiesel in exactly the same way as fossil diesel…

biomex has a patented 5 function organic additive concentrate that is hot blended into the biodiesel during production.  This unique additive pack improves the performance of our already high quality biodiesel in the following areas.

1. Dramatically improves viscosity lowering the gelling /pour point to -15 degrees C
2. Antioxidant treatment to stabilise the fuel
3. Biocides to prevent bacterial growth and extend storage life to 12 months
4. Cetane enhancement to increase efficiency of combustion and NOX reduction
5. System maintenance to ensure the cleanliness and performance of injectors.

Manufacturers Warranties

The anomaly of engine manufacturer’s warranties in regard to their stated positions regarding biofuels is extremely varied and often based on commercial expediency rather than engineering acceptance.

A vehicle in the UK will be warranted to use EN590 B5 blends, the same make and model in parts of Europe will be warranted to B30.  The rational is that in the UK the Government imposed bio obligation on the fossil oil companies is at 5% (B5) blends, which will increase over time in line with pan-european agreements and undoubtedly vehicle warranties will increase at the same rate of ‘obligated’ blended biodiesel.

The acceptance of biodiesel in other countries has been far quicker and hence the B30 blends are supported under warranty where the consumers have supported higher blends of the fuel.

Mercedes, MAN, Volvo and DAF to name a few support warranties in higher blends and even B100 in certain of their model ranges where the fuel systems utilise modern materials resistant to the solvent characteristic of biodiesel and its higher blends.

The majority of systems around today utilise materials such as Viton, nylon 66, synthetic rubber and Teflon, seal failures are a thing of the past, but check with the manufacturer if in any doubt.

Currently the UK biodiesel market is consuming in excess of one billion litres annually making a significant contribution to the Governments CO2 reduction targets.

Storage

It is essential that all tanks are thoroughly agitated and cleaned to dislodge any loose contaminants from the previous fossil fuel. This material should be drained off and disposed of in a safe, controlled  manner.

Biodiesel, particularly in higher blends has a powerful solvent action and will dissolve residues, gums and lacquers built up over time  on the inside surfaces  of tanks from diesel fuel.

It is this dissolved matter that will be carried through the fuel lines and may cause restrictions and blocking of the fuel filter. It is recommended that the fuel filter is changed at this time and also monitored closely and changed again within the first 500-1000 miles to prevent roadside problems.

Blended diesel and in particular the higher blends and B100 are hygroscopic. (water molecules can be adsorbed from moisture laden air)

Fuel heavily contaminated with water may lead to corrosion of fuel injection components and the increased likelihood of bacterial activity in the fuel causing clogging of lines or filters.

biomex is treated with biocides to prevent the free growth of bacteria.

The solution is ‘best practice’ housekeeping of a properly specified fuel.

Bacterial and fungal growth in fuel tanks is not new or unique to biodiesel; contamination in fossil fuel storage systems is endemic supporting a whole service industry of Fuel Engineers, Filter Manufacturers and Fuel Polishers managing this issue. The solution is ‘best practise’ housekeeping.

Size fuel tanks appropriately, ensuring regular throughput of biodiesel. All fuels store better in full tanks.  Maintain the fuel in sealed or airtight tanks were possible, ensuring that tank vents and breathers are desiccant filtered.

Storage, Packaging and Use Instructions

• Where possible store in original containers, keep containers sealed until point of use. Once opened care must be taken to ensure proper sealing of caps/lids.
• Always store in properly dated and labelled containers.
• Keep containers upright, store in a bunded area, and do not depend on the materials biodegradability as mitigation of pollution due to drips, leaks and spills.
• Store away from direct sunlight in a safe, dry, cool, ventilated area.
• Store away from naked flame and avoid incompatible materials that may cause deteriation of product packaging.
• Observe local regulations and notify local fire officer of the content under store.

Personnel

• Always wear PPE (personal protection equipment) Use only with adequate ventilation and avoid breathing fumes and vapours.
• Use breathing aids if ventilation is inadequate.
• Avoid ingestion… seek immediate medical assistance if ingestion occurs.
• If skin contact is made, wash immediately with warm water to avoid possibility of irritation. If irritation occurs seek medical advice.
• Avoid contact with eyes, skin and work wear, wash thoroughly hands, face and around the mouth before eating or drinking after coming into contact with products.