What are the implications of using bio fuel in existing appliances ?

The properties of bio-liquids and bio-liquid blends in comparison to mineral fuels such as kerosene are different. This is an important factor to bear in mind as this means that to change from 100% mineral fuel (even kerosene or gas oil bio-liquid blend) will require formal conversion and re-commissioning of installations and equipment. Results following fuel analysis identified the viscosity of the bio-liquid to be significantly higher than that of kerosene; literally speaking it is thicker and heavier. The properties of bio-liquids being different to mineral fuels mean it reacts differently to different materials. Traditional oil carrying seal materials, which are commonly encountered in existing mineral fuel installations, were not found to be reliably compatible with bio-liquids.

When considering converting an installation to operate on B30K, its important to ascertain the exact fuel blend and ensure that the supply will be via proven/approved source. Pressure jet burners can be converted with relative ease. Manufacturers have conversions kits available for their equipment to assist with the modification of their existing components to ensure material compatibility. However, in some cases it may be necessary to obtain a bio-liquid compatible burner.

Typically, pressure jet conversion would commonly require at least the replacement of:

• Automatic Nozzles
• Fuel Pumps
• Flexible Oil Lines
• Filters and /or Filter Seals

NOTE : Vaporising  burners and appliance installations should not have bio-liquids introduced to them. It has been proven that bio-liquids in kerosene can immediately adversely effect vaporising burner combustion and manifest in the rapid onset of premature carboning in vapourising sleeve burner bases – even within hours. It is recommended that vaporising appliances such as range cookers are converted with appliance manufacturer’s (or appliance manufacturer’s approved) bio-liquid conversion burners.