Frequently Asked Questions - Storage and Location |
 |
What type of tanks can I use for the storage of vegetable oil, methanol (methylate), potassium or sodium hydroxide, biodiesel and glycerine?
You can store the biodiesel, the chemicals and co-products in plastic. You can also use stainless steel which is very high quality (and more expensive). Plastic is obviously less expensive but still of acceptable quality. Plastic degrades with extreme light and many plastics will melt around 140 degrees F (or less).
What are the costs of storage tanks?
The costs depend upon the material type of tank that you purchase, whether it is the less expensive option of plastic or more expensive option of stainless steel. Circle Biodiesel & Ethanol Corporation can fabricate stainless steel tanks at any size for you.
How much storage capacity do I need for a facility?
A good rule of thumb is one and one-half week’s worth of production storage capacity.
Does the biodiesel facility need to be indoors or outdoors?
Storage tanks can be either indoors or outdoors, but since our Circle Biodiesel Processor has a control panel on the system, it is best to have the machinery indoors or in a completely weather-proofed area.
How big of a facility do I need to make biodiesel?
This depends upon how much biodiesel you want to produce. Please call us for more details on your facility size.
Should the facility be located next to a rail line?
This can be quite helpful in the acquisition and delivery of your chemicals and finished biodiesel and other co-products.
Should the facility be located near or on a seaport?
This can be quite helpful in the acquisition and delivery of your chemicals and finished biodiesel and other co-products.
What other tanks or equipment do I need to produce ethanol?
You will need storage tanks and a place to store the distillers dried grains and a place for incoming feedstock. You will also need a tank to ferment the feedstock into alcohol.
What types of storage tanks are suitable for ethanol production?
Plastic and stainless steel are the most commonly used tank types for storage of co-products and alcohol.
How large should the storage tanks be in volume?
They should be large enough for one and one-half week’s worth of feedstock and finished ethanol production.
How much storage space do I need?
Please call as this situation can vary based on delivery of feedstock and of finished ethanol production.
Do I need special storage facilities for biodiesel?
In general, the standard storage and handling procedures used for petroleum diesel can be used for biodiesel. The fuel should be stored in a clean, dry, dark environment. Acceptable storage tank materials include aluminum, steel, fluorinated polyethylene, fluorinated polypropylene and teflon. The following materials should be avoided when storing biodiesel: copper, brass, lead, tin, and zinc.
How long can I store my biodiesel and how best should it be stored?
The current industry recommendation is that biodiesel be used within six months, or reanalyzed after six months to ensure the fuel meets ASTM D6751 specifications. A longer shelf life is possible depending on the fuel composition and the use of storage-enhancing additives. The biodiesel should be stored in a cool and dry place.
Does ethanol blended with gasoline require special handling?
In special circumstances yes, the fuel marketer should pump any accumulated water from the storage tank, and add a final filter to the dispensing hose before using an ethanol blend for the first time. Small engines such as chainsaws and outboard motors are susceptible to water contamination, so it is also wise to check them for the presence of water and remove all water before adding an ethanol blend. Adhering to these handling requirements will assure optimum performance of ethanol-blended fuel.
|
