The two most common types of biofuels in use today are ethanol and biodiesel, both of which represent the 1st generation of biofuel technology. More recently 2nd generation biofuels in the form of HVO and GTL have entered the market.
Biofuel is a renewable energy source derived from microbial, plant, or animal materials.
Examples of biofuels include ethanol, biodiesel, green diesel and biogas. the two most common forms found in the market are ethanol and biodiesel.
Ethanol
Ethanol is an alcohol used as a blending agent with petrol to increase octane and cut down carbon monoxide and other smog-causing emissions.
The most common blend of ethanol is E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) which is widely used throughout the UK and Europe.
Most ethanol is made from plant starches and sugars—particularly corn starch in the United States and sugar cane in Brazil leading to conflict over land use.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a liquid fuel produced from renewable sources, such as vegetable oils and animal fats and is a cleaner-burning replacement for petroleum-based diesel fuel. Biodiesel is nontoxic and biodegradable and is produced by combining alcohol with vegetable oil, animal fat, or recycled cooking grease.
Biodiesel can be blended with petroleum diesel in any percentage, however, the most common blend, B7 (a blend containing 7% biodiesel and 93% petroleum diesel). B20 (a blend containing 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel) is used by some large fleet users and can be used in diesel engines without the need for modifications.
HVO
Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is a type of biofuel made from vegetable fats and oils. HVO is a 2nd generation biodiesel and meets the standard EN15940 for paraffin fuels. HVO differs from 1st generation bio diesel in that it is manufactured from waste renewable materials, such as vegetable oils, using a high-quality hydrotreatment process which leaves an extremely pure fuel, while biodiesel is based on plants (typically rapeseed), is a 1st generation biodiesel and meets the standard EN14214 for biodiesel.
Storage Requirements
There are no special storage requirements beyond what is already in place for the storage of diesel or petrol. However if large volumes are stored with low turnover it is advised to incorporate a lining in the storage tank to minimise any damage from the presence of water and/or mycobacterial growth that can take place.
Building on our expereince in the Aviation fuel sector coupled with our already popular “BaseFrame”, Cookson & Zinn developed a award winning solution specifically designed to address the challenges of biofuel storage; the “BioBase” tank
The BioBase is designed to specifically address the issues of water in fuel. Its sloped base ensures any water present in the fuel tank flows to one end and the incorporated sump makes the removal of water quick and easy.
This design allows for automated sampling as well as manual inspection of the fuel.
The BioBase can be supplied fully or partially lined.
The benefits of the “Baseframe” are well understood and include much improved on-site safety features as well as time-saving features.
The “Biobase” requires no special installation as the slope is pre-set in the factory, the sump suction pipe is pre-installed and the protective internal lining is applied.
The system works equally as well in multi-compartment tanks where the sump is fitted to each compartment.
