3d image showing biobase on inclined base frame

Bio Base

The Solution for all Bio Fuels



The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) was introduced into the UK in 2008 as a mechanism to incentivise sustainable biofuel use in road transport fuel. Through legislation the amount of bioethanol in petrol and biodiesel has continued to rise, as recently as 2020 all petrol sold is now E10, containing 10% biofuel and B7 Diesel contains 7% biofuel.

Hydrotreated vegetable oil, otherwise known as HVO, is the next-generation low-carbon diesel. It is derived from used cooking oils, residue animal fats from food processing, tall oil, and non-food grade crops. Biofuel, more generally, is a renewable source of energy that comes from plants, animals, or algae.

The Challenge

These change are undoubtedly a positive move in reducing harmful environmental emissions but it also represents a new challenge for the storage of these fuels. Water in fuel has always been a battle which has upto now been addressed through the use of good quality materials and design to minimise the introduction of moisture into storage tanks, however, biofuels naturally contain higher levels of water in the fuel. In larger storage facilities where consumption is slow there is a possibility of the small droplets of water dropping out of suspension and gathering as a layer on the bottom of tanks. The presence of water in the tanks can lead to biological growth leading to “sludge” appearing in tanks. As well as blocking filters and delivering out of spec fuel, (—this sludge can also excrete acidic compounds which over time can compromise the steel lining of the tanks.–)

The Solution

Building on our experience in the Aviation fuel sector coupled with our already popular “BaseFrame”,  Cookson & Zinn developed an award-winning solution specifically designed to address the challenges of biofuel storage; the “BioBase” tank

3d image showing biobase on inclined base frame

The unique features of the BioBase

The BioBase Tank incorporates a number of unique features:

  1. Water extraction pipe within Lower Access Shaft
  2. Water Extraction Pipe
  3. Sump integrated into base to allow easy extraction of water
  4. Solvent free (Endoprene) coating (Complies with BS.EN 12285-1)
  5. Base frame cradles adapted to create a 1:50 slope so all water collects at one end
  6. Internal tank surfaces coated to prevent corrosion
BioBase

The Benefits

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