FAQ - About Biodiesel
What is Biodiesel? - Biodiesel is a clean burning alternative fuel produced from both vegetable oils and animal fats. Biodiesel contains no petroleum but can be blended with mineral diesel to create a biodiesel blend.
What are Biodiesel 'Blends'? - Biodiesel can come as B100 - 100% pure biodiesel or in blends ie B50 i.e. B50 (50% biodiesel, 50% mineral diesel). Pure Energy supplies B100 and can produce any blend a customer requires. Our standard blends are B100 - B50 & B30.
Can I use Biodiesel? - Biodiesel is a perfectly suitable replacement for mineral diesel. It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines in most cases without any modifications to the fuel system. As biodiesel has a cleaning solvent like effect, its use may release the contaminants and dirt left by previous use of mineral diesel from the tank walls and pipes. These deposits end up in the fuel filters. It is recommended for this reason that the fuel filters should initially be checked more frequently - once all the deposits have been removed your system will run cleaner . It is important that the biodiesel used meets the EN14214 specification.
What are the Benefits of Using Biodiesel? - Biodiesel has better lubrication qualities than mineral diesel and tests by Porsche on behalf of Mercedes proclaimed that the qualities of biodiesel could extend an engines life considerably. There are considerable cost savings that can be had by using biodiesel and reducing fuel costs. There are now a number of haulage operators that have gained a significant advantage in obtaining additional business through their use of renewable fuel supplies by showing their Green Credentials!
In an article produced by Biodiesel Magazine it was stated that a major step was taken in the UK towards B100 usage when Tesco announced that they would be running 75% of their vehicles (2,000 units) on a B50 blend of biodiesel. In acknowledging the benefits of biodiesel, both as an efficient fuel and the cost savings made, Tesco has gained an advantage as a 'Leader' in promoting itself as dealing with environmental issues.
How do I Know That the Biodiesel Fuel is the Correct Quality? - Vehicle manufactures in the UK require that any biodiesel used whether as a 5% blend or as 100% pure non-blended be to the standard EN14214. If your present biodiesel supplier cannot produce an up to date current test data certificate for each supply of biodiesel fuel then there is a reason - it probably does not comply and is sub-standard. This will affect your vehicle warranty. This is also true for mineral diesel - so be aware and check the quality of your fuel be it biodiesel or mineral diesel!
What About Maintaining the Engine? - Industry research and testing has shown that there is a significant increase in lubricity when using biodiesel. Ultra low sulphur mineral diesel (ULSD) reduces the lubricity reducing the engines life span. The lubricity of biodiesel allows the engine to work at lower operating temperatures resulting in a reduction of engine wear - allowing longer intervals between servicing. This will lead to an increase in the life of the engine and will in turn reduce the running costs of any fleet operations running on biodiesel.
Another issue was that the fuel filters were blocking up as biodiesel has a lower cloud/plugging point. Therefore it is essential at certain times of the year (mid autumn to late spring) that the biodiesel supplier ensures that the fuel is at the correct standard to avoid this blocking. The same is true with mineral diesel as well.
Will Using Biodiesel Affect my Warranties? - In mainland Europe, biodiesel has been sold for several years devoid of any issues with manufactures warranty problems. Predictably the UK has been slow on this uptake and to date most UK vehicle manufactures are not up to speed with the use of biodiesel in comparison with their European and American counterparts.
However this is not a problem as we have copies of the notes/advice on the use of biodiesel given by the main vehicle Manufacturers.
Biodiesel Storage and General Points ? - The same regulations for storing and handling mineral diesel applies to biodiesel so existing storage systems can be used. However, as with mineral diesel biodiesel can act as a solvent on certain types of paintwork. Any spills should be wiped clean as soon as possible - just in case!
There are various sources of information regarding the use of biodiesel, one of the most informative is Biodiesel Magazine
and their web site is at
Remember we at Pure Energy Fuels are here not only to offer you high quality fuel but to offer help and advice. We wish to assist you so that your transition to using biodiesel or an alternative renewable fuel is smooth and hassle free.
Pure Energy Fuels Ltd
Tel: 01322 305552
Todays Fuel For Tomorrows Future
