Biofuel is a fuel derived from biological sources. Standards are set by ASTM and the European Commission, and it’s important to choose a supplier who adheres to them. Biofuel grades are based on properties such as purity and corrosiveness. Ethanol is made from grain and can be used in petrol engines, while biodiesel is derived from animal or vegetable oils and is carbon neutral and non-toxic.
Biofuel is a term that refers to a category of fuels derived in part or wholly from biological sources, such as organic vegetable material and oils or animal oils. In the United States, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) develops voluntary standards for a biofuel supplier that rate fuel grades. In the European Union, the European Commission has the authority to withdraw the possibility for biofuel suppliers to sell their products, if these suppliers give buyers false information about their biofuels.
It is important to choose a biofuel supplier who adheres to these standards. A biofuel supplier should also demonstrate a constant supply to customers. Since it’s impossible to judge the quality of a biofuel by looks alone, knowing whether your supplier is up to set standards is an important safeguard to protect your capital investment in your vehicle fleet.
To comply with the standards, biofuel producers must ensure that the biofuel is handled and stored correctly. Failure to do so may result in degradation, which can lead to engine damage. Such damage can include clogged fuel filters, excessive wear on engine components, and even engine failure. It is important to question a biofuel supplier regarding the supplier’s compliance record in biofuel production and storage.
The National Biodiesel Board in the United States represents the biofuel industry. Members of the organization have access to the latest scientific data on biofuel production and management, as well as a knowledge base on emerging technologies in the biofuel industry. Membership in this organization is another likely indicator of a biofuel producer’s commitment to professional conduct. These biofuel organizations continue to develop and improve processing standards for a biofuel supplier.
Biofuel grades are based on fuel properties such as oxidation stability, purity, acidity, corrosive qualities, and the volume of elements, minerals, ash, and other substances that may be present. Using a blend with too high a biodiesel level can degrade the rubber seals in some engines. There are synthetic substitutes for engine components that eliminate this problem.
Ethanol and biodiesel have some distinctive differences. Ethanol, also known as grain alcohol, is alcohol distilled from grain or other plant material. It is a fuel that can be used in petrol engines.
Biodiesel is derived from animal or vegetable oils and one of the main benefits of biodiesel is that it can be carbon neutral and non-toxic. Because it has a lower flash point, biodiesel is less likely to cause an explosive fire in a vehicular accident. Biodiesel tends to be more expensive and less stable than petroleum-based fuels, while ethanol is usually blended with other non-biofuels or even biodiesel.
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