Delivery of Biofuels - Project Biojakelu: Final report

This report is a summary of the key results of the Tekes- supported consortium project called "Impact of biofuels on the life cycle of fuel station equipment (BIOJAKELU)". Its aim was to improve the capabilities of the various companies belonging to the value network for fuel service stations in realising the operation based on viable and safe business principles. The emphasis of the report is on safety related issues. The studies of the project involved practical tests on the compatibility between the materials used in the distribution of liquid motor fuels and biofuels and to assess the risks of ignition in the dispensing of biofuels as well as to suggest measures for their minimisation. The results indicate that HVO diesel (like NExBTL) does not require changing current practices; the same applies to petrol containing small amounts of ethanol (up to 10 vol%). On the other hand, safe dispensing of high blend ethanol fuels (HBEF) and RME/FAME biodiesel requires some changes to current practices. The necessary changes are presented in this report. As a general conclusion, it can be stated that the introduction of biofuels is a step in a safer direction in the dispensing of motor fuels. The safety of petrol dispensing is the result of long-term experience. When the changes required by biofuels have been implemented, all preconditions for safe dispensing of biofuels are in place.