:: GreenFuels Ltd. :: Europe's largest Biodiesel equipment supplier

Green Fuels Ltd. has announced the launch of the FuelPod2, a compact biodiesel processor for the domestic market.

Capable of producing up to 50 litres of biodiesel every day from waste cooking oil, the FuelPod2 directly targets a growing market for home-production believed to be worth £5m per year (nb with predictions for this to be worth 12.5m in 2008).

With its small 60cm diameter and standing just 140cm high, the compact FuelPod2 takes up the minimum space at the back of a garage – a major advantage to domestic users. It’s also incredibly easy and safe to use: -

- the 50 litre batch size was deliberately chose to minimise the quantity of methanol used (10 litres per batch)

- external, thermostatically-controlled band heaters are used to pre-heat the oil. As well as making it extremely difficult to overheat the input oil, it also ensures that heating takes place before the addition of chemicals.

- the risk of having a flammable liquid in the reaction tank is minimised thanks to the use of venturi pipes to add the methanol and methylate from a separate tank. The venturi also minimises methanol vapours.

- Green Fuels recommends the use of liquid methylates rather than dry caustic soda, to avoid exothermic reaction. The fuel quality is also improved, as there is no chance of un-dissolved caustic getting into the reaction. Ion exchange resin is used to purify the fuel in a contained system using very small quantities of consumables.

- the system is operated by air controls and an ATEX approved air pump, thus adding to safety by avoiding sparks and preventing disconnection of a pipe.

All customers receive a comprehensive operating manual and can telephone a dedicated helpline for advice. The company is also working on an education programme to promote the use of safe biodiesel systems in the home.

Green Fuels designs and manufactures a range of processing equipment across the whole market spectrum - from small fuel producers, through medium size companies and to large wholesale businesses. There are currently more than 600 Green Fuels processors in the UK and Ireland, with a growing number in the rest of the world, producing over 170 million litres of fuel every year.

Market analysts Frost and Sullivan predict biodiesel to be one of the fastest-growing areas in the chemical industry and in the green energy sector, with forecast growth year-on-year of 14 per cent to 2013. Last year Europe consumed 3.89 million tonnes of biodiesel, generating revenues of €2.93 billion. By 2013 the total EU biodiesel market is forecast to be 9.75 million tones.

Green Fuels’ founders Colin Hygate and James Hygate will be keynote speakers during the Royal Society of Chemistry’s 2007 Chemistry Week, which this year focuses on Fuelling the Future.

The week sees a national tour of public events from Glasgow and York, to Oxford and Swansea from 3-11 November. Open to the public, events will be held in a mixture of science and non-science locations including Burnley Football Club and Bristol International Airport, the latter where managing director James Hygate will address the issue of biofuels and aviation.

Green Fuels will be demonstrating a Lotus Elise running on bioethanol and a biodiesel-powered Range Rover at eight locations across the country to coincide with the launch of the company’s new FuelPod2 biodiesel processor for domestic use.

Held every two years, Chemistry Week aims to promote a positive image of chemistry and increased public understanding of the importance of chemical science in our everyday lives. This year’s events highlight the role chemistry can play in furthering advancements in alternative fuels and technologies. As Europe's largest biodiesel equipment reseller, Green Fuels can contribute wide experience to the sessions.

“The reduction of carbon emissions is a topic of great concern to individuals, private businesses and public organisations,’ commented James Hygate, “and Green Fuels’ involvement enables us to highlight our range of innovative product solutions for all sectors of the market.”

James Hygate with his biodiesel powered Range Rover and bioethanol powered Lotus