the biofuel paradox
TRANSCRIPT
The Biofuel Paradox | The Hidden Consequence Of Biofuels
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Case study 2015 The Biofuel Paradox | The Hidden Consequence Of Biofuels
With the ever-increasing pressure to tackle climate change, regulation continues to evolve as governments, environmentalists, lobby groups and businesses all seek to achieve purer waters, clearer skies and cleaner soils.
In a bid to reduce greenhouse gases, and improve sustainability in our production vs. consumption of fuels, the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED) mandate states that by 2020, 10% of the energy from transport fuels should come from renewable sources.
Therefore the UK will need ethanol to constitute 10% of our petrol in future, with this percentage likely to increase further.
Whilst such measures may be welcomed, an unforeseen consequence is occurring as a result of the directive. A consequence Adler and Allan are calling The Biofuel Paradox.
What is the Biofuel Paradox?
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Case study 2015 The Biofuel Paradox | The Hidden Consequence Of Biofuels
The problem lies in the chemistry taking place within the separator that protects fuel spillage and leaks from leaving forecourts and entering the watercourse.
Standard fuel separators were designed before biofuels were part of the equation. Based on the science of separation between water and oil, the separator works by retaining floating fuel within the separator and allowing rainwater to pass through the collector and drain away.
What is the Problem?
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Case study 2015 The Biofuel Paradox | The Hidden Consequence Of Biofuels
With the addition of ethanol to the fuel mix the chemistry changes.
BTEX has a propensity to join the bio-elements within the fuel, particularly the alcohol, ethanol. This in itself is not a problem. However, with the addition of water into the mix the chemistry changes further.
Adding Ethanol to the fuel chemistry
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Case study 2015 The Biofuel Paradox | The Hidden Consequence Of Biofuels
Once biofuel comes into contact with water, and in this case surface water drainage, the chemistry changes become dangerous.
Ethanol is particularly soluble in water and as a result draws BTEX (and its lethal contaminants benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene) with it.
The real issue is that the environmentally harmful BTEX is now easily released from the forecourt separator and into the watercourse.
Ethanol is extremely soluble with water
All liquid hydrocarbon fuels comprise of Aromatic and Cyclic compounds which include the BTEX elements (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and the Xylene isomers). Any spillage from these biofuels can result in the release of the BTEX compounds into the environment through the discharge of water.
Is Benzene Dangerous?
Benzene may cause cancer and genetic damage and is considered to be the most harmful component; it is also the most volatile and water-soluble of the BTEX compounds.
The UK Environment Agency aims to ensure that there is no appreciable risk of these effects from environmental exposures.
The Dangers of Ethanol and BTEX
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Case study 2015 The Biofuel Paradox | The Hidden Consequence Of Biofuels
CONTACTFor more information regarding Ethanol Coalescing Filters for forecourts please contact Adler and Allan:
Forecourt owners and commercial enquiries:
0800 592 827
Press and environmental enquiries:
0800 592 827
Email:
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Case study 2015 The Biofuel Paradox | The Hidden Consequence Of Biofuels
FIND OUT MORE
Visit our microsite at http://biofuelpardox.adlerandallan.co.uk
View our video content at http://bit.ly/1Mf0oEm
Download our Whitepaper to see how Shell are combating The Biofuel Paradox at http://bit.ly/1JR2BoW
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