Q: Can any diesel-powered
car use biodiesel?
A: Yes, any diesel motor can use it.
Q: Does the motor need any adjustments?
A: No, unlike the introduction of leaded fuel that required modifications
to older motors, bio-diesel requires none. However, hoses made from butyl
rubber as found in older models may suffer from degradation.
Q: Can one mix bio-diesel with petroleum diesel?
A: Yes, and it can added to in any ratio.
Q: Does it affect engine performance?
A: Bio-diesel may result in up to a 10% drop in performance, but some users
have reported no power loss at all.
Q: Does it have any mechanical benefits?
A: It has amazing lubricity characteristics. We ran a series of tests recently
and found that bio-diesel, even in a 5% blend, offers much greater lubricity
than petroleum diesel. This helps to counter wear on all working parts and
extends the life of injector pumps.
Q: Where is bio-diesel currently in use?
A: In a fleet of earthmoving equipment, by a haulage company and various
private users.
Q: Is bio-diesel unsuitable for any particular application?
A: There’s no limit to applications, but undiluted bio-diesel
will freeze in extremely cold climates. The antidote is an anti-freeze or
mixing
bio-diesel with petroleum diesel.
Q: Will that compromise its environmental advantages?
A: Yes.
Q: Is bio-diesel used elsewhere in the world?
A: Yes, in the US and to a growing extent in Europe.
Q: What raw product are you using to distil bio-diesel?
A: At the moment we are making bio-diesel from used cooking oil.
Q: Does bio-diesel have a commercial future in South Africa?
A: Definitely, and based on the interest expressed, there is
a huge demand. Also, diminishing fossil reserves mean the cost of crude oil
will
rise and
purchases on the international market is done in US dollars, which makes
it increasingly expensive for South Africa in view of the Rand’s deterioration.
In this context, locally manufactured bio-diesel has obvious potential.
Q: What are the constraints?
A: Well, using new oil is not cost effective at this point and
also the output stage is rather limited. At this point we’re using
used oil and we hope to increase our efficiencies in collecting it.
Q: Surely bio-diesel presents opportunities in areas yet unexplored?
A: Absolutely. Commercial farmers looking to grow crops with a guaranteed
buy-back should investigate oil plant crops. Also, bio-diesel holds exciting
empowerment and wealth-creation opportunities for marginalised communities.
Q: Is anything happening in this regard?
A: We’ve initiated contact with various agricultural organisations
to explore ways and means to cultivate suitable crops and we’ll be
making a presentation to an interested party soon.
Q: Do you anticipate close working relations with agricultural and horticultural
institutions?
A: Of course. We’d like to co-operate with researchers
as much as possible in our efforts to build a new industry.
Q: What is government’s reaction?
A: The relevant departments are most encouraging and supportive and have
acknowledged the strategic value of bio-diesel.
Q: What are the tax and levy implications?
A: That’s among the issues currently under consideration
by the government. Hopefully biodiesel will be zero-rated as in most of Europe.
Q: What do you sell bio-diesel
at?
A: We’re selling it at ± 20c below petrolium diesel.
