Sustainable fuel is vital for our long term fuel requirements and there has been a massive move towards more environmentally sound energy sources.  While many of the options that have been touted as the next best things include substances that have better lubricity and have a far lower emissions level, there are many products that do not stand up to scrutiny very well.

While biodiesel is considered one of the leaders in this field, it is less commonly documented that it´s hygroscopic nature, in other words, its ability to dry out the air around it makes it a difficult product to consider in the long run.  Water that accumulates in organic diesels is a location for fungal development as well as bacteria and yeasts to grow and multiply.  This contamination is referred to as diesel bug in the industry and is causing concern amongst developers of the fuel.

In addition to the standard problems that are associated with bacteria development in fuels, this diesel bug can also cause a wide range of other problems including filter blocking, a rise in emissions, corrosion within tanks and injector nozzle issues.

If you are planning on using biodiesel for any type of critical power system, then these factors make this an extremely risky option, particularly if used on sailing vessels or for hospital services.  In an attempt to halt the problem in its tracks, many biocides and toxic additives have been introduced to prevent the bacteria and fungi from developing, but as with many organisms of this type, they do in time become immune to the biocides and proliferate much faster after their immunities are back to full strength.

There is however a solution for over 97% of the bio fuels that may encounter this problem.  A product produced in New Zealand call DE-BUG has been patented and is 100% environmentally friendly.  The oil industry is taking note of this development as is the rest of the world – perhaps bio fuels can be what we have always hoped they would be – a sustainable, clean energy that is reliable and environmentally friendly.