Caltex Biodiesel FAQs Now Online

Caltex Biodiesel FAQs Now Online

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KUALA LUMPUR, December 1, 2011 – In support of the Malaysian government’s ongoing consumer awareness campaign regarding the implementation of biodiesel (B5) in the Central region, Chevron Malaysia Limited (“Chevron”) has now made available a resourceful list of biodiesel Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on its Caltex™ website, http://www.caltex.com/my/hot-tags-result/?tag=Bio+Diesel.

The site provides objective general information about biofuels, and a glossary on the related terms often used. A dedicated consumer query portal is also available to monitor consumer feedback.

“We want our customers to be better informed about biodiesel and our new Caltex Diesel (Bio) with Techron®D. Armed with practical information, we hope consumers will feel greater confidence in the use of biodiesel in their vehicles. Informed actions will also contribute towards the government’s successful and sustainable implementation of biodiesel in Malaysia,” said Jeremy Oh, Country Chairman, Chevron Malaysia Limited.

Caltex Diesel (Bio) with Techron®D was unveiled recently by YB Dato’ Hamzah Zainudin, Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries & Commodities at Caltex Taman Kinrara, Puchong. The ceremony, jointly organized by the Ministry and the Malaysian Palm Oil Board was held in conjunction with the launch of B5 availability in Selangor and mark the culmination of the B5 implementation in the Central Region.

Caltex Diesel (Bio) with Techron®D is available at 100 Caltex service stations across Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Malacca. As the product name indicates, the Caltex B5 offering also features the technologically advanced Techron®D additive to control deposits, help maintain fuel injector cleanliness and support optimum engine performance.

The FAQ is reproduced below:

What is biodiesel?

Biodiesel is methyl or ethyl esters derived from a broad variety of renewable sources such as vegetable oils, animal fat and used cooking oil and are designated as B100. Some of the examples of biodiesel feedstock are soy bean, rapeseed, palm, coconut, canola etc.

B100 is biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. B100 can be blended in any proportion with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. When blended with petroleum diesel at low percentages, B100 can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modifications and results in cleaner emissions.

What is a biodiesel blend?

B5 denotes a blend of 5 volume percent of biodiesel with fossilized (petroleum) diesel.

In Malaysia, this is 5 percent of palm methyl esters (PME) and 95 percent of diesel.

What is palm biodiesel?

Palm biodiesel is an alternative fuel derived from palm oil and can be used in compression ignition engines i.e. diesel engines without any modifications. Palm biodiesel refers to methyl esters (PME) that are derived from palm oil through a process known as “trans-esterification” or “esterification”.

Why palm biodiesel?

Malaysia has it in abundance. Factors contributing towards palm biodiesel include:
• renewable: source can be grown and harvested regularly
• environmentally friendly: biodegradable and non-toxic to the environment in event of spills
• less exhaust emissions and high cetane rating: contributes towards a smoother engine performance with better combustion
• no aromatics: reduces toxic emission
• no sulfur: reduces toxic emission and increases the lifetime of oxidation catalytic converters
• high lubricity: reduces engine wear
• high flash point: relatively safe from flammability in a storage standpoint
• no engine modification is necessary if used as a blend with diesel

Are there any warranty issues if palm biodiesel is blended with diesel used?

Local fuel injection and engine manufacturers (Malaysian Automotive Association) have accepted and approved biodiesel blends of up to 5 percent in Malaysia. This approval is subject to the adoption of the Malaysian Standard Specification for Diesel Fuel (MS123) and biodiesel standards EN14214 (European standards), ASTM D6751 (American standards) or its equivalent. As such, Malaysia has developed PME standard MS2008:2008 that has a very close resemblance to EN14214.

Is it advisable to store biodiesel blend as a back-up fuel?

It is not recommended to store biodiesel or biodiesel blend beyond six months as it may degrade.

What is the effect of biodiesel on air quality?

Biodiesels produce lower emissions of carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter, compared to 100 percent petroleum diesel. However, oxides of nitrogen (NOx), which contribute to smog, may be slightly increased.

What is the implementation plan of B5 in Malaysia?
Government agencies such as DBKL and Armed Forces started using B5 in February 2009 which involved 3,900 diesel vehicles with no adverse effects reported to date. The B5 Programme has been implemented in stages in Malaysia beginning 1st June 2011 for retail stations in the Central Region starting with Putrajaya. By 1 November 2011, B5 will be made available in all other retail stations in the Central Region viz Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
(Response courtesy of Malaysian Palm Oil Board, 2011).

How can I obtain information related to biodiesel and B5?

Information related to biodiesel and B5 can be obtained from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB)or by calling MPOB at 603-8769 4446/4805/4653/4455 or Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (KPPK) at 603-8880 3373 or 603-8887 8388/8355.
(Response courtesy of Malaysian Palm Oil Board, 2011)

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