Home · BioHeat™ · BioDiesel · FAQ

Biofuel News · Why? · Consulting · Contact Us

Biofuel, a natural plant based alternative to heating oil and diesel fuel,

is now available in Maine. Read More...

 

Biofuel FAQ

What is Biofuel?

The term “biofuel” describes any fuel containing a biodegradable component obtained from a recycled source such as vegetable oil or animal fat. For oil heat, the proper term is BioHeat™; for diesel fuel, the proper term is BioDiesel. Once blended with distillate product, other than the respective sulfur levels of each, both are essentially the same product (as is true with heating oil and diesel fuel). The chemical name for Biofuel is methyl-ester.

 

Is biofuel used by itself or is it blended with petroleum fuel?

Biofuel can be used by itself or blended with petroleum in any percentage. B-20 (a blend of 20% biofuel with 80% petroleum fuel,by volume) has demonstrated significant environmental benefits.

 

How do biofuel emissions compare to petroleum fuel?

Biofuel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing of the clean air act. The use of biofuel in a conventional heating system or diesel engine results in a substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter compared to the emissions from heating oil or diesel fuel. In addition, the exhaust emissions of sulfur oxides and sulfates ( major components in acid rain) from biofuel are essentially eliminated compared to heating oil or diesel fuel.

 

Can biofuel help mitigate “global warming”?


A 1998 biofuel lifecycle study, jointly sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Energy and the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, concluded that biofuel reduces net CO2 emissions by 78% compared to petroleum fuels. This is due to Biofuels closed carbon cycle. The CO2 released into the atmosphere when biofuel is burned is recycled by growing plants, which are later processed into fuels.
 

 

For an excellent article published about what biodiesel is NOT ...Read more

 

 

Is biofuel safer then petroleum fuel?

Scientific research confirms that biofuel has a less harmful effect on the human health then petroleum fuel.  Biofuel emissions have decreased levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitrated PAH compounds that have been identified as cancer causing compounds. Test results indicate that PAH compounds were reduced from 50%-85%. Targeted nPAH compounds were reduced by 90%. Biofuel is non-toxic and biodegradable. In addition, the flash point (the temperature at which a fuel will ignite when exposed to a spark or flame) is 300 degrees Fahrenheit, well above petroleum fuel’s flashpoint of 125 degrees.


Do I need special storage facilities?
No. biofuel can be stored in your existing fuel tank. Biofuel is completely compatible with petroleum fuels. It can be added to any amount of fuel existing in your storage tank. 100% biofuel will gel at about 32 degrees Fahrenheit, however, so care should be taken to store it in a warm environment during cold weather.


Can biofuel be used in my existing equipment?

Biofuel can be operated in an existing heating system or diesel engine, with the exception of heaters designed to burn only K-1 kerosene. No major modifications are necessary. Biofuel has much higher lubricating properties which can help your equipment last much longer. Biofuel has a solvent effect that may release deposits accumulated on tank alls and pipes from previous petroleum fuel use. The release of deposits may initially clog filters and precautions should be taken. 100% biofuel may have a degrading effect on rubber components in the fuel system over a long period of time. B-20 (20% Biofuel 80% petroleum fuel ) has been shown to have no effect on fuel system components.


Where can I purchase Biofuel?

Frontier Energy is New England’s oldest and most experienced retail and wholesale dealer of BioDiesel and BioHeat™ blends. The company has been involved with BioDiesel since 2001. Frontier Energy is a division of Frontier Oil Co., which has been doing business in Maine for over 20 years. Frontier Energy is proud and excited to be a pioneer in offering alternative fuels to the people of Maine.