Now that consumers have become more conscious of what and where they purchase their everyday needs, it’s time for your business to keep up. The easiest and cost-efficient way for your company to go green is by switching to a better diesel alternative. One option is HVO fuel, a kind of biodiesel that has been recently gaining popularity.

It’s understandable if you feel uncertain, especially if this is the first you’ve heard of it. This is why this article aims to answer the most common questions asked about HVO fuel and how it works. Keep reading to know more.

What is HVO fuel used for?

Since HVO fuel is considered a drop-in replacement to diesel, it is suitable for any standard diesel application. It’s commonly used in:

•Portable generators

•Commercial boilers

•Agricultural tractors and machinery

•Boats and vessels operating within inland waterways

•Construction equipment and machinery

•Industrial trucks and tankers

In recent years, several national events and festivals have switched to HVO fuel UK wide, including Glastonbury. This reduces their carbon emissions in running generators and vehicles and other factors that negatively affect the environment.

Do OEMs approve HVO fuel?

HVO biofuels have OEM approvals from a wide range of manufacturers for a wide range of diesel engines. It means HVO can be used as an alternative diesel to these OEMs’ machines and equipment without the user worrying about losing the warranty. 

Does it need additional infrastructure or modifications?

A switch to HVO does not require any modifications or additions to your infrastructures or engines. Paraffinic fuels can be blended with current stocks without empty tanks, saving you the cost of an additional upfront investment to make the switch and making the most out of the HVO fuel price you initially paid for.

Can fossil-free HVO fuel cause engine problems?

Although HVO fuel is safe to use in most engines that require standard diesel, it is always advisable to consult your manufacturer first. Ensure that they have approved the use of HVO in the equipment and declare that it is safe to make the switch. As mentioned already, HVO fuel has been approved by a wide range of OEMs.

What is Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil?

In short, hydrotreated vegetable oil, HVO, is a newer biofuel produced from vegetable oils or food waste. However, instead of using methanol as a catalyst, HVO uses hydrogen, which coins the name of the process to hydrotreatment. Due to its source material, it is considered a renewable diesel, and it’s known for having a longer shelf life than other biodiesel such as green diesel and unmodified vegetable oil.

Is HVO fuel any different from other types of diesel?

HVO is known to be a more environmentally conscious and sustainable alternative to regular diesel. A recent study showed that HVO reduces carbon monoxide, dioxide, and hydrocarbons without any mechanical modifications. Although it also stated that the levels of nitrous oxide HVO emits are not precisely known, it remains an eco-friendly drop-in replacement to diesel, even with its minor environmental impacts. HVO fuel UK wide continuously gain its momentum as it retains performance even amidst cold weather.

How is biodiesel processed?

The chemical process used in producing biodiesel is called transesterification. It separates glycerine from raw materials such as food waste and fats. It then leaves out methyl esters, which is biodiesel.

Compared to the production of regular or petroleum diesel, the process for biodiesel is much more sustainable since its entirely fossil-free. Biodiesel produces fewer air pollutants than regular diesel with higher oxygen content and less to no sulphur levels.

On the other hand, unlike biodiesel that utilises methanol as a catalyst in its production, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) uses hydrogen as its name suggests.

What are the pros of using HVO for my business?

All of the benefits of HVO ultimately help you reach your goal of being more sustainable in your business – not to mention the fully reportable reduction of carbon you can use to market your brand. It gives you a competitive edge over other companies in the industry, plus paying for HVO fuel price becomes worth it in the long run due to its cost-efficiency.

How is HVO produced?

Hydrotreating vegetable oils is a modern way to produce high-quality diesel fuels from completely renewable materials, regrowing stock when needed. HVO takes fatty acid feedstock such as vegetable oils, waste fats from animals or cooking, and alternative oils like jatropha or algae. These resources undergo hydrotreatment. Hydrogen is used as a catalyst to produce paraffin and cycloalkanes from the compounds. These less reactive and more stable compounds then undergo hydrocracking or isomerisation, which heightens the quality of the fuels. Since producing HVO is more sustainable, plus the materials used are far less harmful, it causes no damage to the planet.

What is the cetane number of each diesel type?

Mineral diesel has a cetane number of 51, and FAME biodiesel has a cetane number between 50 and 65. HVO has an impressive cetane rating of 70 to 90 as its overall performance is significantly better than the other two. Note that cetane number or cetane rating is used as an indicator of a diesel fuel’s performance. The higher the rating, the better it is.

These questions and answers should give you a basic idea of how you’ll benefit from switching from mineral diesel to HVO fuel. Remember that not only does this give your business an edge and better image, but you’re also doing your part in reducing the factors that damage the environment. If you still haven’t done anything about it, consider this as your sign to start using HVO fuel as your company’s first step in going green.