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Important Information - Biofuel into Gas Oil
Re: Introduction of 7% Biofuel into the Gasoil Fuel Supply Chain as from January 2011
All UK based oil companies and fuel distributors must comply with the Government driven `Renewable Transport Fuels Obligations` (RTFO) guidelines, under which biofuels are to be included in Gasoils at concentrations of up to 7% as from January 2011.
Biofuels up to 5% in concentration in road diesel have been supplied into the retail fuel supply chain for almost 3 years. Owners of petrol stations have had to change their tank housekeeping maintenance schedules, to reduce the risk of microbial and other issues relating to storing diesel containing an element of 5% biofuel.
Issues that require addressing are not as straightforward as for conventional gasoil. It is our aim to provide you with information on the recommended housekeeping measures to be taken when up to 7% biofuel is to be introduced into the Gasoil fuel supply chain.
Important information on best housekeeping practice prior to receiving your first delivery of bio fuel in gasoil is detailed below. The importance of keeping your tanks and fuel system clear of water is paramount to ensure you do not have problems on your first delivery and in the future.
Key points to Act on;
- Tank Cleaning / Housekeeping is the key factor, this helping to prevent the risk of bacteria blocking filters and prevent the build up of bio film and or a bacterial outbreak. It is suggested before the introduction of Biofuel into Gas Oil the fuel filters and seals are replaced.
- Should a bacterial outbreak occur you would need to have the tank drained and cleaned and the fuel would need to be polished.
- You must check the following points in relation to your storage tank(s);
- Free of water before the Biofuel into Gas Oil is introduced on the 1st January and this is something you must check monthly thereafter and can be done using a water paste.
- Free of sludge and or sediment.
- What is the state of the seals and gaskets?
- Check the type of metals used on the tank as; copper, brass, zinc and lead could oxidise the fuel, (i.e. cause rust or corrosion).
- The maximum length of time Biofuel gas oil, (containing FAME (fatty acid methylester)) should be stored is 6 months. Consideration therefore must be given to possibly having more frequent deliveries of smaller quantities, in particular at times of the year when your usage is less.
Additional information can be obtained from;
The Adler and Allen group; www.eandsgroup.co.uk Tel: 01993 852419
Energy Institute www.energyinst.org.uk
Industry News www.fueloilnews.co.uk
I hope this provides sufficient information in relation to what is required to be prepared for biofuel Gas Oil, in addition we have spoken with Adler & Allan who have the expertise in providing various housekeeping solutions and they can be contacted should you require more specific information.
Adler & Allan employ the latest specially designed, constant flow centrifuge and coalescent fuel filtration process available and they can be contacted to obtain further information. The system maintains a constant high suction flow rate guaranteeing tank internals are free of water and sludge. Adler & Allan provide tank cleaning services into all types of tanks, below, above ground, vertical, rectangular and cylindrical.
To help keep your housekeeping costs to a minimum, Adler & Allan can provide you with equipment to obtain samples from the bottom of the tank and biofuel compatible water detection paste. Please call Adler+Allan should you require further information or help on your specific site requirements.
Gasoil/Diesel Biofuel Services & Products on offer from Adler + Allan:
- Specialist Biofuel Tank Dewatering Preparation in readiness for delivery of gasoil up to 7% biofuel
- Specialist Biofuel Tank Cleaning services
- Sample kits (includes sample extraction pump, tubing and sample containers and instructions of how to take sample from bottom of tank
- Dipstick water finding paste compatible with biofuels and detecting emulsified water in fuel
- A&A Engineer to collect sample - Water & Microbiological fuel analysis services
- Should the results of the samples show there is water on the base of the tank then A&A will recommend the following:
- Remove sludge (if any) and free water from the base of the tank via our Mobile Tank Cleaning unit. No fuel wasted, only contaminants removed from site
- Should the results of the samples show there is microbial contamination in the tank then A&A would recommend the following:
- Manually clean tank and polish fuel, no fuel wasted only contaminants removed from site, all polished fuel returned to tank
Our customers will benefit from the most competitive prices available; we negotiated with Adler & Allan,
a fixed pricing structure in line with prices, quoted direct to all the major oil companies.
Adler & Allan have performed proactive Specialist Biofuels Housekeeping Tank Solutions for Esso, Shell, BP, Total, Sainsbury’s, Malthurst, Waitrose, Spar, Coop, GB Oils, and numerous privately owned sites throughout the UK.
We recommend you contact Adler & Allan now to ensure your Gasoil Tank Preparation is booked, so that your tanks can be scheduled for their specialist services before the January deadline. Tel 01993 852419.
Sarah Bond
Commercial Sales
Northern Energy Supplies
Tel: 01423 770668