Do I need to convert my vehicle to use BioAdvance Biodiesel?

No, although Diesel vehicles over 20 years old may require replacement of natural-rubber fuel supply lines, due to BioAdvance's solvent characteristics.  SWBF experience suggests that most Diesel vehicles of this age would have already had fuel lines replaced.

Will using BioAdvance Biodiesel invalidate my existing vehicle warranty?

Mineral Diesel sold in the UK must comply with European quality standard EN590:2004 and within this standard can incorporate a 5% (B5) Biodiesel concentration without affecting vehicle warranties.  Biodiesel concentrations up to 100% (B100) are possible, although vehicle warranties may be affected; please check with your vehicle manufacturer.

Can BioAdvance Biodiesel be used at 100% (B100) blend concentrations?

Yes, although vehicles covered by a warranty may be affected.  SWBF expect warranty compliance to be introduced in the near future, since vehicle manufacturers in Germany are already permitting vehicles with UK equivalent specifications to operate on EN14214 certified Biodiesel; please check with your vehicle manufacturer.

Is BioAdvance Biodiesel reliable?

Your vehicle will not suffer unreliability as a result of using BioAdvance Biodiesel due to its conformance with European Biodiesel quality standard EN14214.  In fact, vehicle manufacturer research indicates a potential for increased engine reliability due to Biodiesel's improved lubrication properties reducing engine wear.  Refer to customer case studies for examples of satisfied SWBF customers.

I heard I would need to keep changing my fuel filter, is this true?

No, BioAdvance Biodiesel conforms to European Biodiesel quality standard EN14214 and therefore does not require frequent fuel filter changes.  For BioAdvance blend concentrations above 50% (B50), SWBF do recommend a fuel filter change after the first 2,000 miles covered.  This is due to BioAdvance featuring solvent characteristics which help to clean mineral Diesel deposits from fuel supply lines.

Is BioAdvance Biodiesel cheaper than mineral diesel? 

Although the production costs of BioAdvance Biodiesel are considerably higher than mineral Diesel, a treasury tax concession enables SWBF to offer BioAdvance Biodiesel at a competitive rate.  Additionally, Bioadvance prices are far less susceptible to large price fluctuations; refer to our pricing section for current price comparisons.

Where can I buy BioAdvance Biodiesel?

You can buy BioAdvance Biodiesel from Southwest Biofuels, contact us on: 01747 822602 or email us at: info@swbiofuels.co.uk.

How is BioAdvance Biodiesel made?

Refer to our process page for a full explanation and animation.

Why should I use BioAdvance Biodiesel?

There are numerous reasons for switching to Bioadvance Biodiesel:

• The combustion of BioAdvance is carbon neutral, since all CO2 emitted is reabsorbed by the energy crops utilised in our production process.  This will reduce the UK's production of greenhouse gases and their associated affect on global climate change and complement the UK policy to tackle global Climate Change.
• BioAdvance is priced competitively with respect to mineral Diesel; check our pricing.
• BioAdvance can be added to mineral Diesel at any blend concentration up to 100% (B100) without affecting vehicle performance or requiring modification.
• The production of BioAdvance Biodiesel will aid the Southwest region's agricultural economy and promote environmental sustainability through the localised supply and consumption of a renewable fuel.
• BioAdvance features superior lubrication properties when compared to mineral Diesel which research indicates can reduce engine wear with increased blend concentrations.
• BioAdvance features a Cetane number greater than mineral Diesel (>51) and therefore reduces engine ignition delay.
•  BioAdvance customers are experiencing improved fuel economy as a result of increased blend concentrations; refer to case studies.
• BioAdvance’s Sulphur content is 1/5 of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel’s content.
• BioAdvance is biodegradable, less toxic than cooking salt and does not contain the carcinogenic Polyaromatics Benzene, Toluene or Xylene, unlike mineral Diesel.
•  BioAdvance can provide emission reductions in Carbon Monoxide, Hydrocarbons and particulates by up to 50%.

Is Biodiesel used anywhere else in the world or is it simply a UK fad?

Biodiesel has been used worldwide for several decades, particularly in Brazil and the USA.  It is also widely available across the EU, with growth across the EU-15 exceeding 2600% between 1992 and 2003.  Germany is the largest producer with approximately 50% of the EU-15's output and France follows with approximately 25%, the UK is currently a relatively minor producer.

German experience clearly demonstrates that Biodiesel is a viable, consumer-friendly alternative to mineral Diesel.  This is enhanced by German Diesel-vehicle manufacturers approving the use of 100% (B100) Biodiesel blends when certified to quality standard EN14214. 

In any case, with the clock ticking on the world’s oil supplies it will soon be an essential alternative fuel.

If the UK Biodiesel industry is a relatively minor Biodiesel producer, how is SWBF going to affect change?

SWBF intends to grow its current network of agricultural producers in the South West of England, whilst continuing to foster a close relationship with existing suppliers.  The provision of stability and sustainability to the local agricultural economy and environment will therefore be assured.  SWBF is currently inviting tenders for Oilseed Rape contracts for the 2008 season; please contact us for further details.