Biofuel Bonanza
28 Jun, 2007
4 Comments 
Finally the environmentally conscious motorist has a realistic alternative to traditional fuels. Bio-fuel outlets are beginning to appear through out our major cities offering an alternative source of filling-up over conventional fossil fuel based derivatives.
Whilst, at this stage, the scale of these operations is of little comparative significance, the fact that the motoring public now has a choice available in fuelling their vehicles should be seen as an important milestone.
‘Conservo’ was opened in Melbourne’s trendy Prahran this week, offering a ten percent ethanol-blended petrol (similar to CSR’s ‘United’ outlets), and both a blended and a one hundred percent bio-diesel fuel. It is claimed these fuels offer comparative performance without risking the longevity of the vehicle’s engine and perhaps more importantly that the alternative fuel actually produces fewer emissions.
But before we all rush to queue for the chance to do our part for the environment, keep in mind that for now, these fuels are is still in limited production (about 12 million litres per annum) and that not all manufacturers recommend the use of these fuels in their vehicles. So if you’re keen to be green then check with your dealer or consult your owners manual before giving it a go.
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June 29th, 2007 at 12:35 am
I love this fact. But there is another fact I don’t like so much.
Manufactures love boasting about how their Diesel’s are environmentally friendly. They can run on Bio-Diesel. blah blah blah.
But read into it further and you’ll see that 90% of modern diesels can’t run bio-diesel… and the answer is simply because of that stupid catalytic converter for diesels. Sure it makes Diesels cleaner with our current, dismal and mediocre quality fuel in this country. But it apparently stops the use of Bio-diesel.
When I say “apparently”. What I mean is that you read reports of cars that can and can’t run BD. Manufacturers are contacted and some say “Yes, that’s fine”, while others say “No, you must use the specified fuel only.” I’ve read and heard so many contradicting remarks about BD that I’m not sure about it at all and I’m less educated about it now then I was before.
Peugeot apparently told some of their customers that the fuel lines will rot if you use BD. I thought most cars fuel lines were metal these days. But even if they were rubber, still… I’ve also heard that the material they use now days is pretty much resistant to all types of harsh chemicals including Diesel. The thing is, BD apparently loves to eat away at rubber and other similar materials.
This is what I’ve heard. I don’t know this for fact. But after all that is said, The one thing I consistently hear about is that a modern diesel can’t run BD fuel because of that silly new cat converter. BD pollutes it and destroys it. Though manufacturers are stating that it’s a necessary device in order to cut off the pollution levels and make diesel engines “cleaner”.
I still like turbo diesels for their awesome low down grunt and pulling power.
Cheers
Steve
(Report)
September 6th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
Steve
You make some very good points and as a biodiesel consultant I hope I can clear a few of them up for you. I add the caveat though that the following comments refer to good quality biodiesel made to international standards and NOT poor quality fuel. Most of the problems attributed to biodiesel relate to the use of poor quality biodiesel fuel:
1. The comments from the manufacturers regarding the effects on catalytic converters are mostly based on lack of data (ignorance in some cases) and not actual test data evidence. I have been involved in several test with pure biodiesel and biodiesel of various blends in old and new diesels. In fact the biodiesel fuel improves the emissions, and in some case more so with the catalytic converter. All modern diesels in Europe (including Mercedes, BMW, Audi, VW, Peugeot) are permitted to run on B100 biodiesel, but not here. So good BD does NOT destroy catalytic converters.
At least Toyota is honest about their position. On their website they state: “Toyota is not in a position to evaluate the long term effect that these varied biodiesel fuel blends will have on engine overall performance, fuel injection equipment durability, fuel economy and exhaust emission compliance.”
2.With regard to rubber fuel lines etc, these comments by Peugeot are obsolete. It is true that biodiesel causes rubber fuel lines and seals to deteriorate. However, so does the ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD) now sold throughout Australia. So new diesels vehicles are okay and most old diesel vehicles should have been modified.
In summary, if you want to use BD and are satisfied with quality of the fuel you are going to use, then do so. If you are still not certain, then ask someone who knows.
Happy clean motoring!
Bryan B
(Report)
July 29th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Just bought the new Skoda Octavia TDI, the handbook states that I can’t use Bio Diesel, but it is essentially a VW engine and transmission. I was told by the dealership that bio diesel was ok at 5% to 95% regular.
I read your points above and assume from them that as long as the diesel is quality checked to AU standards then it should be good to use as it has the same effect as low sulphur diesel in the cars fuel lines etc.
So I guess the next step if for servos to open up some pumps for us so we can start saving money.
(Report)
December 18th, 2008 at 12:30 am
The Department of Minerals & Energy South Africa invites reputable Companies to send Expression of Interest letter to participate in Project LIMP/DME/2008.
The supply of infrastructures to produce grid electricity and Bio Diesel through Biomass and energy plants.
Contact: Dr James Idieta (Head of Project )
Tel:+27-731877670
Fax:+27-865390124
Email: idietaroyaltygov@gmail.com
idietaroyal@engineer.com
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