The solutions proposed by the Biofuels Platform

Concept
The concept of the Biofuels Platform is based a straightforward principle: Most diesel vehicles, whether they are old or new, can run with any mixture of conventional diesel and biodiesel from 0 to 100% (v/v) [1]. Most gasoline vehicle, whether they are old or new, car run with any mixture of unleaded gasoline 95 octane and bioethanol up to 20% (v/v) [2].

[1]

By virtue of its physico-chemical characteristics similar to those of conventional diesel, biodiesel can be used pure or mixed with conventional diesel, with an incorporation rate which may vary from 0 to 100%. In practice, the rate of incorporation of biodiesel does not exceed 50% (v/v). The use of biodiesel does not present any major problem, and normally does not require any changes to the engine apart from the possible replacement of some seals and hoses. Biodiesel is an excellent solvent and could damage some rubber seals and other natural polyurethane foams, as well as some paintings.

[2]

Technically, anhydrous bioethanol can be used as a mixture with conventional gasoline up to 20-25% (v/v), without modification of the engine, except at the level of material compatibility (which becomes essential at such alcohol levels). Brazil uses a mixture of up to 20-25% bioethanol in gasoline-fuelled vehicles. The United States and Sweden recommend a mixture of 5-10% ethanol without modification of the engine. In the United States, almost all vehicle manufacturers maintain their guarantees up to 10% (v/v) ethanol mixed with gasoline.

Nomenclature
Blends of biodiesel and conventional diesel are often described using the terminology Bx, where the letter x indicates the percentage volume of biodiesel blended with ordinary diesel. The term thereby B5 refers to a mixture consisting of 5% (v/v) biodiesel and 95% (v/v) conventional diesel. The nomenclature applies similarly to blends of bioethanol and gasoline, usually described using the terminology Ex, where the letter x indicates the percentage volume of bioethanol blended with gasoline. The term E5 refers to a mixture of 5% (v/v) bioethanol and 95% (v/v) of gasoline.
Strategies of biofuels supply and use
The Biofuels Platform proposes to its members a variety of strategies regarding the supply and use of biofuels. The solutions depend mainly on the operator's strategy of biofuels introduction in the short-to-medium term, on the technical characteristics of existing fuel storage facilities (distribution columns, storage tanks, etc.), but also the fleets themselves (age of vehicles, types of engine). The most common strategies (accessible to vehicle fleet operators with their own storage and distribution facilities) are described below: Fuel: Type de storage tank: Strategy:

Reference scenario

The fleet operator is supplied with conventional diesel.

Strategy: Supply of seperate fuel batches

The operator is supplied with conventional diesel in the existing tank and with pure biodiesel in a new dedicated tank. By means of a specific distribution column equipped with a dosing and blending device, the user can then choose (at the tank filling) the fuel blend he wishes (B5-B100), in accordance with the vehicle compatibility or the operator's strategy. This strategy allows biodiesel delivery directly from the producers, thereby optimizing both the logistics and the fuel price.