Biodiesel
The manufacture and use of biodiesel is increasing rapidly with its wide availability through forecourts across Europe and beyond, and many major fleets now using it as an additive in their fuel. With economies of scale and agricultural subsidies versus the rising cost of crude oil, the long term future paves the way for sustainable fuels.
Blends of biodiesel and conventional hydrocarbon-based diesel are most commonly distributed for use in the retail diesel fuel marketplace. The standard system used by most of the world for recognising biofuels is known as the "B" factor to state the amount of biodiesel in any fuel mix, for example fuel containing 20% biodiesel and 80% fossil fuel is labelled B20, while pure biodiesel is referred to as B100.
Contrary to media interpretation biodiesel cannot be used in its pure form (B100) without certain engine modifications and enhancements.
Fuel engineering is a complex area in which Fleetsolve has become expert. Fleetsolve can supply complete and unique alternative fuelling solutions for any combustion engine rendering them compatible for use with 100% biodiesel.
Fleetsolve strives to ensure the solutions it offers are always reliable, compliant and cost effective enabling its clients to use their equipment sustainably and efficiently.
Biofuels can offer a genuine sustainable solution but they must be implemented by experts to ensure they work reliably.
Biodiesel – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Biodiesel?
Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable oils such as rapeseed, sunflower and soya. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. It can be used as a blended product in most diesel engines without modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free from sulphur and aromatics.
Technical Definition: Biodiesel - a fuel composed of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, designated B100, and meeting the requirements of ASTM (American Society for Testing & Materials) D 6751.
Biodiesel is produced from any fat or oil such as†rapeseed oil, through a refinery process called transesterification whereby the glycerine (a by-product of biodiesel production) is separated from the fat or vegetable oil via a chemical reaction and the application of heat. This process leaves behind two products – methyl esters (the chemical name for biodiesel) and glycerine.
It is the removal of the glycerine that sets it apart from the DIY produced biodiesel. This type of fuel can severely damage pumps and injectors and even destroy engines.
Is Biodiesel the same thing as raw vegetable oil?
No. Raw vegetable oil cannot meet the stringent specifications set down for biodiesel fuel.
Is biodiesel used as a pure fuel or is it blended with petroleum diesel?
Biodiesel is commonly included in a blended product known as EN590, which allows the blending of up to 5% Biodiesel with 'normal' DERV - a 95/5 mix. Biodiesel can be used as a pure fuel (B100) with some engine modifications and enhancements, or blended with petroleum in any percentage.
How do biodiesel emissions compare to petroleum diesel?
The use of biodiesel in a conventional diesel engine results in substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter compared to emissions from diesel fuel. In addition, the exhaust emissions of sulphur oxides and sulphates (major components of acid rain) from biodiesel are essentially eliminated compared to diesel.
The use of 100% biodiesel can reduce air toxins and carcinogenic compounds by 78%.
- CO2 -10%
- Hydrocarbons -21%
- Particulates -47%
- *Nitrogen Oxide +4.2%
*NOx levels increase due to the early combustion in the diesel cycle; this can be reduced through fuel conditioning and engine modification.
Can biodiesel help mitigate ‘global warming’?
Plants used to produce biodiesel draw CO2 from the air. At the end of the process cycle biodiesel is burned and the left over plant decomposes, returning the carbon back to the atmosphere as CO2, therefore, biodiesel on its own does not contribute to global warming.
However, the CO2 from the petroleum fuel used for fertiliser, farm equipment and transportation during the production process accumulates in the atmosphere. Taking this into account, the net result is that biodiesel produces 78% less CO2 than fossil diesel.
Is biodiesel safer than petroleum diesel?
Scientific research confirms that biodiesel emissions have a less harmful impact on human health than petroleum diesel fuel emissions. Biodiesel emissions have decreased levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitrated PAH compounds that have been identified as potential cancer causing compounds. Test results indicate PAH compounds were reduced by 75 to 85 percent, with the exception of benzo(a) anthracene, which was reduced by roughly 50 percent.
Can I use biodiesel in my existing diesel engine?
Blended biodiesel fuels can be used in most diesel engines, however, in order to use 100% biodiesel certain engine modifications and enhancements are necessary.
Fleetsolve is expert in the area of sustainable fuelling solutions and can recommend, design and implement solutions for your alternative fuelling systems.
What do I do if I can’t find a Biodiesel fuelling station?
Biodiesel can be used alone or blended in any percentage with regular diesel. If you can’t get hold of biofuel you can simply top up with petroleum based diesel fuel. The two fuels will blend together inside your tank.
Will Biodiesel affect my fuel economy?
Many people claim that biodiesel will increase your fuel economy by 5%. This is possibly true given that biodiesel has a higher lubricity and higher BTU (British thermal unit) content than diesel fuel. Generally speaking biodiesel offers you the same power, consumption, horsepower, torque, and hauling rates as conventional diesel only with far less environmental consequences.
What is the shelf life of Biodiesel?
Biodiesel, like conventional petrol-diesel, should be used within six months or reanalyzed after six months to ensure the fuel is still in specification.
Is 100% biodiesel suitable for all applications?
No, all engines will require upgrades to run on high blends of biodiesel. 100% biodiesel is best suited to heavy applications such as HGVs, Agricultural machinery and CHP units.
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