Were farmers (on the using end) consulted about how their costs will be covered? IE Shorter storage life, water attraction characteristics etc?
What if I DON'T Want to use a BIO-DIESEL ?
The Renewable Fuel Standard comes into effect in Alberta in April 2011. These new standards will have an effect on farmers. Federal mandate is that there is a renewable fuel quantity that must be added to fossil fuel, for gasoline a five per cent ethanol blend will be added and for bio diesel a two per cent blend will be added to diesel. These amounts are on a per annual basis.
“These new renewable fuel standards do have implications for the farm and farm equipment. Farmers need to know what the benefits of biofuels are, as well as what changes of practice need to happen to safeguard their equipment,” says Michael Bevans, project engineer with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s Ag Tech Centre. “Biofuel does have problems with long-term storage.
“Biofuel is made from renewable feed stock and will spoil over time. Farmers need to be aware that they shouldn’t keep biofuel in tanks or sitting around longer than six months. If spoiled biofuel is run through engines, there can be problems with injectors and pumps.”
Also, biofuel acts as a solvent which breaks down the build-up that accumulates with the use of and natural storage of petroleum. To give adequate protection for the injectors and injector pump on machinery, it is recommended that farmers get a good filtration system on their storage tanks, something with a 10 micron or smaller size on the filter. Initially, filters will need to be changed more frequently.
“Biofuel will absorb water vapour from the air,” says Bevans. “It is recommended to have a good water separation system on your tanks. Don’t use additives that emulsify water into the fuel as this can cause rusting over time. Use only additives that separate water from the fuel so any water can be drained off.”
Farmers need to talk to their fuel suppliers about the percentage of biofuel they are using, and also to equipment manufactures and dealerships about these new requirements as they relate to equipment storage and seasonal equipment.
Source: Alberta Agriculture And Rural Development
What if I DON'T Want to use a BIO-DIESEL ?
The Renewable Fuel Standard comes into effect in Alberta in April 2011. These new standards will have an effect on farmers. Federal mandate is that there is a renewable fuel quantity that must be added to fossil fuel, for gasoline a five per cent ethanol blend will be added and for bio diesel a two per cent blend will be added to diesel. These amounts are on a per annual basis.
“These new renewable fuel standards do have implications for the farm and farm equipment. Farmers need to know what the benefits of biofuels are, as well as what changes of practice need to happen to safeguard their equipment,” says Michael Bevans, project engineer with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s Ag Tech Centre. “Biofuel does have problems with long-term storage.
“Biofuel is made from renewable feed stock and will spoil over time. Farmers need to be aware that they shouldn’t keep biofuel in tanks or sitting around longer than six months. If spoiled biofuel is run through engines, there can be problems with injectors and pumps.”
Also, biofuel acts as a solvent which breaks down the build-up that accumulates with the use of and natural storage of petroleum. To give adequate protection for the injectors and injector pump on machinery, it is recommended that farmers get a good filtration system on their storage tanks, something with a 10 micron or smaller size on the filter. Initially, filters will need to be changed more frequently.
“Biofuel will absorb water vapour from the air,” says Bevans. “It is recommended to have a good water separation system on your tanks. Don’t use additives that emulsify water into the fuel as this can cause rusting over time. Use only additives that separate water from the fuel so any water can be drained off.”
Farmers need to talk to their fuel suppliers about the percentage of biofuel they are using, and also to equipment manufactures and dealerships about these new requirements as they relate to equipment storage and seasonal equipment.
Source: Alberta Agriculture And Rural Development
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