| If you're contemplating using biofuels such as | | | | fresh and can still be used effectively. This is ideal for |
| biodiesel and bioethanol, or you're already a convert, | | | | refineries who supply fuel to forecourts and other |
| then you will be aware of the environmental benefits | | | | suppliers. |
| of using renewable fuels. | | | | 7. Biofuels are used all over the world, and different |
| 1. Biofuels can be made from a wide range of | | | | countries and environments will use different blends. |
| sources including vegetable waste, animal fats and | | | | In cold condition, the biodiesel needs to have a cold |
| from crops grown specially to be used as fuel. | | | | flow improver added to it to ensure that it flows and |
| 2. Additives are often needed to help to reduce the | | | | pours properly in cold climates. This means that the |
| formation of deposits in engines, which can affect | | | | engine will still work even in very low temperatures |
| the performance of the engine, and to help the | | | | and the vehicles or other machinery will still function. |
| engine run smoother and reduce wear and tear on | | | | There would be no point in selling fuel in cold |
| components. | | | | countries that didn't work when the temperature |
| 3. Fuels made from bioethanol can absorb water and | | | | dropped. |
| create potential corrosion problems at the refining | | | | 8. Fuel suppliers, terminals and vehicle manufacturers |
| and blending plant. | | | | may have specific requirements for their fuel. This |
| 4. A wide range of antioxidants, stabilisers, cold flow | | | | may be to do with the weather, the type of vehicle |
| improvers, cetane improvers and performance | | | | or the conditions in which the vehicles are used. Or, it |
| additives are available which will improve the quality | | | | may be to do with national fuel specifications. Using |
| of the fuel and the performance of the diesel engine. | | | | the right additives will ensure that the fuel is right for |
| 5. Additives ensure the stability and cold flow of | | | | the market in which it is being sold. |
| biofuels, and are suitable for all diesel engine | | | | Diesel additives can make a big difference to the |
| applications such as on-road and off-road vehicles | | | | performance of an engine, especially one that uses |
| including lorries and farm machinery, home heating, | | | | biofuel. Imagine being stuck at sea on a ship with a |
| marine environments and rail uses, as well as power | | | | poorly performing fuel, or maybe stuck in the desert |
| generation. | | | | in a 4x4 or caught in a snow storm, miles from |
| 6. Biodiesel can degrade over time. If the fuel is to be | | | | anywhere. Now can you see why diesel additives are |
| stored for a time, then diesel additives can ensure | | | | so important for biofuels? |
| that the degradation is minimised and that the fuel is | | | | |