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The popularity of biodiesel is growing all over the country and large-volume buyers need to know where to start when deciding to work with a specific biodiesel company. Below are three things that we believe every company should look into before deciding purchase from a specific biodiesel supplier.

The first thing that you should research is the health of the company. Before deciding to lock into a long term deal with a company you should know how long the company has been in business as well as their track record in the industry. Failing to research this before signing a contract can be a risky move resulting in loss of money, product, and future sales. Blue Sun Biodiesel has been in business for 10 years and has consistently proven to sell a quality fuel thru a seamless process perfected over time. Blue Sun stands by their deals to deliver the right product, in spec and on time.

The second thing to look for in a reputable company is fuel quality. Fuel quality is impacted by both initial production quality (achieved from processing) and by maintaining that quality throughout the downstream supply chain.

To evaluate initial production quality of the fuel the quality of pure biodiesel (B100) is measured via ASTM or EN specifications. These specs are achieved by state-of-the-art biodiesel plants that employ, depending on feedstock, some or all of the following: feedstock drying, feedstock pretreatment, esterification, transesterfication, biodiesel/glycerin separation, biodiesel washing, biodiesel drying, methanol recovery, and biodiesel polishing.

Maintaining quality downstream is achieved via proper additization and quality control procedures. Additives, such as Blue Sun’s proprietary additive DTX, can remove water from biodiesel thus optimize performance of the engine. Only free water is limited in the ASTM spec. Biodiesel is more polar than diesel and therefore moisture is much more soluble in biodiesel. B100 can hold up to 1500 ppm of moisture before it is saturated, whereas diesel can only hold about 50-75ppm. If moisture in the B100 is not limited then it can become free water over time, in cold weather, and when blended with diesel. Free water can cause many problems from tank and equipment degradation with rust and corrosion, icing (plugging fuel filters with frozen water in the cold), and microbial incubation. Certain additives can also prolong the shelf life or oxidative stability of the fuel. Oxidative stability in a fuel allows the fuel to be stored longer. It is key in ensuring “fresh” quality fuel for user’s engines, especially if it has been held in storage tanks. Blue Sun engineered the oxidative stability component of DTX and the timing of its addition to the fuel to maximize the additive’s effectiveness.

The third thing a buyer should look at is the company’s Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) process. A department that assures quality in the fuel you purchase is very important since biodiesel cannot be treated the same as regular diesel fuel. A company needs to have a comprehensive distribution program in place to ensure the fuel quality stays the same from production all the way thru to distribution and use. An example of this would be that Blue Sun always makes sure that any storage tank our fuel goes into, whether it is our tanks or downstream to one of our distributors, is tested and proven to be clean of any water or impurities.

Our experts at Blue Sun are always willing to discuss just how we get you the fuel you need, at the spec you need and at the quality you need for your downstream users. Call us anytime – 866-BIO-FUEL.