Our journey into the biofuel world continues (see here for an in-depth look at HVO&XTL paraffinic diesel fuels) by turning our attention to another major category called FAME. This acronym identifies the bio-diesels produced by the transesterification of oils from oleaginous energy crops (also known as fatty acid methyl-ester, such as B20/B30 according to EN 16709 or B100 according to EN 14214).

In principle, there are many oils and fats of vegetable origin that can be used in FAME production (rapeseed oil and waste oil, for example). In practice, however, the mechanical characteristics and chemical properties of biodiesel are defined by specific European standards. This implies that raw materials that guarantee given temperature, oxidation, residue and stability parameters must be used.

FAME is certainly the most produced biodiesel in the EU with 11 million litres per year made in about 188 production plants. However, by direct comparison, paraffinic diesel fuels (HVO&XTL) are the most used. The reasons for this are due to many factors, including quality of the raw material, temperatures of use, availability, and also, perhaps, the fact that biodiesel can be used in an ordinary diesel engine while only low concentrations of FAME can be employed. Regardless of the reasons, the HVO&XTL sector is on the rise.

PARAFFINIC BIODIESEL AND FAME: SOME INTERESTING FACTS

Biodiesel fuels are already in the tanks of our vehicles

Standard diesel can contain up to 7% of biodiesel, which is why the universal designation is B7.

B20 or B100 means that the percentage of biodiesel is 20% or 100%.

Who produces the most?

The European Union is the most important producer of biodiesel totalling 33% of the world's production and a total of approximately 46 million tonnes (2019).

Who consumes the most?

The top five consumer countries of biodiesel in the transport sector in 2020 were Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Sweden. Together, they accounted for 64% of total biodiesel consumption in the transport sector in Europe.

THE ADVANTAGES OF PARAFFINIC BIODIESEL AND FAME

In general, using this type of fuel has several advantages:

• it is a renewable fuel

• it ensures lower emissions into the atmosphere than conventional diesel

• it reduces waste by using “waste” raw materials.

While energy transition, sustainability and renewable sources are the keywords of the future, energy efficiency, pollution prevention and the avoidance of conventional diesel in favour of more environment-friendly and sustainable solutions to achieve the objective of a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 compared to 1999 are the way.

AND WHAT ABOUT PIUSI?

PIUSI equipment is guaranteed 100% compatible with paraffinic diesel fuels as we have explained here.

But there is more.

PIUSI has developed a specific range of equipment for transferring, measuring and dispensing ALL TYPES OF BIODIESEL available on the market called the ANY BIODIESEL range.

Regardless of the mixing percentage, the raw material or the conversion process, the ANY BIODIESEL range guarantees maximum efficiency:

• no failures caused by undetermined mixtures
• save time and costs for purchasing specific equipment
• trademark professional, top-quality performance as all PIUSI products

for any type of biodiesel.

Visit us again on 21 February to discover the brand-new PIUSI ANY BIODIESEL range.

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